smallest
ˈsmɔːlɪst
Definition Synonyms

Definition of smallest - Reverso English Dictionary

Adjective

1.
measurementof the least size or amount
  • This is the smallest box in the room.
least minimal
2.
least importantof the least importance or significance
  • He didn't have the smallest idea about the problem.
least minor
Add a suggestion |

Expressions with smallest

💡 Discover popular phrases, idioms, collocations, or phrasal verbs. Click any expression to learn more, listen to its pronunciation, or save it to your favorites.
gesture pretending to play a tiny violin to mock complaints
He played the world's smallest violin for her complaints.
euphemism for bathroom or toilet
He excused himself to visit the smallest room.
room containing the toilet used for personal hygiene
He excused himself to the smallest room in the house.
describing something with complete precision
The report was accurate down to the smallest detail.

Origin of smallest

Old English, smæl (small) + -est (superlative)

Terms with smallest included in their meaning

💡 A powerful way to uncover related words, idioms, and expressions linked by the same idea — and explore meaning beyond exact word matches.
language
smallest unit of language with meaning
lowestadj.
measurement
having the smallest amount or degree
fewestadj.
quantity
smallest in number among countable items
biology
smallest structural unit of an organism
leastadv.
minimal
to the smallest extent or degree
measurement
smallest amount or degree possible
lowest amount
smallest amount or level possible or allowed
minimizing action
in the smallest amount or degree that can be done

Examples of smallest in a sentence

  • He lives in the smallest house on the street.
  • She didn't give the smallest attention to the details.
  • He was the smallest concern in her mind.

View all translations of smallest

Click below to see the appropriate translations facing each meaning.
  1. French:le moindre, moindre, ...
  2. German:kleinste, ...
  3. Italian:più piccola, meno importante, ...
  4. Spanish:más pequeña, insignificante, ...
  5. Portuguese:menor, mais insignificante, ...
  6. Chinese:最小的, 最不重要的, ...
  7. Japanese:最小, 全く, ...
  8. Arabic:أَصْغَر, أَدْنى, ...
  9. Hebrew:הַקָּטָן בְּיוֹתֵר, זָנִיחַ, ...
  10. Russian:самый маленький, ни малейшего, ...
  11. Ukrainian:найменший, найменшого значення, ...
  12. Hindi:सबसे छोटा, नगण्य, ...
small
smɔːl

Definition of small - Reverso English Dictionary

Adjective

1.
measurementlimited in size or amount, not large
  • The small box fit in my pocket.
little tiny
2.
ageyoung or not mature
  • The small puppy played in the yard.
juvenile young
3.
soundquiet or faint in sound
  • She spoke in a small voice.
faint quiet soft

Noun

1.
measurementsize category for items like clothes
  • She wears a small in shirts.
compact miniature petite
2.
clothesitem labeled size S
  • I bought a small at the store.
petite
3.
bodylower curved part of the back
  • She felt pain in the small of her back.

Adverb

softlyin a gentle, quiet way
  • She spoke small to avoid waking the baby.
quietly softly
Add a suggestion |

Expressions with small

💡 Discover popular phrases, idioms, collocations, or phrasal verbs. Click any expression to learn more, listen to its pronunciation, or save it to your favorites.
coins of little value carried in pockets
He paid the bus fare with small change.
minor but impressive achievement
Completing the project on time was a small miracle.
text in a document printed in small size
Always read the small print before signing a contract.
casual conversation about everyday things, often to be polite
We made small talk while waiting for the bus.
written using very tiny letters or type
The warning is in small print on the label.
gradually or step by step
She completed the project in small stages.

Origin of small

Old English, smæl (narrow)

Examples of small in a sentence

  • The small amount of sugar was just right.
  • The small child was learning to walk.
  • She has a small kitten that needs care.
  • He whispered in a small tone.
  • The music was played at a small volume.
  • The error was small and didn't affect the outcome.

View all translations of small

Click below to see the appropriate translations facing each meaning.
  1. French:petit, taille petite, ...
  2. German:klein, Klein, ...
  3. Italian:piccolo, taglia piccola, ...
  4. Spanish:pequeño, talla pequeña, ...
  5. Portuguese:pequeno, tamanho S, ...
  6. Chinese:小的, 小号, ...
  7. Japanese:小さな, スモール, ...
  8. Arabic:صَغِير, مِقاس صَغير, ...
  9. Hebrew:קָטָן, סְמוֹל, ...
  10. Russian:маленький, размер S, ...
  11. Ukrainian:малий, розмір S, ...
  12. Hindi:छोटा, स्मॉल, ...
Browse the dictionary entries starting with “s”:

Discover how Reverso redefines the dictionary

Go beyond “simple words”

Get more than a simple definition

Go from understanding to mastery