Dictionary

1small

adjective \ˈsml\

: little in size

: few in number or little in amount

: not very important

Full Definition of SMALL

1
a :  having comparatively little size or slight dimensions
b :  lowercase
2
a :  minor in influence, power, or rank
b :  operating on a limited scale
3
:  lacking in strength <a small voice>
4
a :  little or close to zero in an objectively measurable aspect (as quantity)
b :  made up of few or little units
5
a :  of little consequence :  trivial
b :  humble, modest
6
:  limited in degree
7
a :  mean, petty
b :  reduced to a humiliating position
small·ish \ˈsm-lish\ adjective
small·ness \ˈsml-nəs\ noun
ADVERTISEMENT

Origin of SMALL

Middle English smal, from Old English smæl; akin to Old High German smal small, Greek mēlon small domestic animal
First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to SMALL

Synonyms
bantam, diminutive, dinky, dwarfish, fine, half-pint, Lilliputian, little, pint-size (or pint-sized), pocket, pocket-size (also pocket-sized), puny, pygmy, shrimpy, slight, smallish, subnormal, toylike, undersized (also undersize)
Antonyms
big, biggish, considerable, goodly, grand, great, handsome, husky, king-size (or king-sized), large, largish, outsize (also outsized), overscale (or overscaled), oversize (or oversized), sizable (or sizeable), substantial, tidy, whacking, whopping

Synonym Discussion of SMALL

small, little, diminutive, minute, tiny, miniature mean noticeably below average in size. small and little are often interchangeable, but small applies more to relative size determined by capacity, value, number <a relatively small backyard>. little is more absolute in implication often carrying the idea of petiteness, pettiness, insignificance, or immaturity <your pathetic little smile>. diminutive implies abnormal smallness <diminutive bonsai plants>. minute implies extreme smallness <a minute amount of caffeine in the soda>. tiny is an informal equivalent to minute <tiny cracks formed in the painting>. miniature applies to an exactly proportioned reproduction on a very small scale <a dollhouse with miniature furnishings>.

2small

adverb

Definition of SMALL

1
:  in or into small pieces
2
:  without force or loudness <speak as small as you will — Shakespeare>
3
:  in a small manner

First Known Use of SMALL

before 12th century

3small

noun

: something that is sold in a small size : something that is smaller than other things of the same kind

Full Definition of SMALL

1
:  a part smaller and especially narrower than the remainder <the small of the back>
2
a plural :  small-sized products
b plural chiefly British :  smallclothes; especially :  underwear

First Known Use of SMALL

14th century
SMALLER Defined for Kids

1small

adjective \ˈsml\
small·ersmall·est

Definition of SMALL for Kids

1
:  little in size <a small house>
2
:  few in numbers or members <a small crowd>
3
:  little in amount <a small supply>
4
:  very young <a small child>
5
:  not very much <small success>
6
:  unimportant <There are some small details to work out.>
7
:  operating on a limited scale <small car dealers>
8
:  very soft and quiet <a small voice>
9
:  not generous :  mean
10
:  made up of units of little worth <small change>
11
:  1humble 3, modest <She came from a small beginning.>
12
:  lowered in pride <After fumbling the ball, I felt pretty small.>
13
:  being letters that are not capitals
small·ness noun

2small

noun

Definition of SMALL for Kids

:  a part smaller and usually narrower than the rest <the small of the back>

Browse

3 ENTRIES FOUND:
Next Word in the Dictionary: smallagePrevious Word in the Dictionary: SMajAll Words Near: small
ADVERTISEMENT
How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.
Test your vocab with our fun, fast game
Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears