1
a
: having comparatively little size or slight dimensions
b
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 (such as quantity)
b
: made up of few or little units
6
: limited in degree
1
: in or into small pieces
2
: without force or loudness
speak as small as you will—
William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare3
: in a small manner
1
: a part smaller and especially narrower than the remainder
the small of the back
2
a
smalls plural
: small-sized products
b
Synonyms
Examples of small in a Sentence
Adjective
They live in a small house.
a small glass of soda
She moved to a smaller town.
The toy is small enough to fit in my pocket.
This room is a little smaller than that one.
The movie was a small success.
There are still a few small details we have to deal with.
It's only a small mistake.
The change had only a small impact on the community.
Noun
These shirts are all smalls.
“What size ice-cream cones do you want?” “We'll take three larges and a small.”
Recent Examples on the Web
Amanda Kooser, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
Movies about straight relationships are able to run both stars as leads, while movies about gay romance must shunt half the central couple down to supporting, which arguably results in a smaller awards-season profile.
—Nate Jones, Vulture, 14 Dec. 2024
Naseem S. Miller, OrlandoSentinel.com, 13 May 2017
David Fear, Rolling Stone, 6 Dec. 2024
Through October 31, a small goes for $5, a medium is $6, and a large is $7.
—Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner, Forbes, 27 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for small 
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Adjective
Black bears are the smallest of the North American bears.
—Amanda Kooser, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
Movies about straight relationships are able to run both stars as leads, while movies about gay romance must shunt half the central couple down to supporting, which arguably results in a smaller awards-season profile.
—Nate Jones, Vulture, 14 Dec. 2024
Adverb
The duo is starting small, performing their procedures at the outpatient surgery facility Endo-Surgical Center of Florida on North Dean Road.
—Naseem S. Miller, OrlandoSentinel.com, 13 May 2017
Noun
And what’s up with these weird tufts of hair that seem to be sprouting in the small of her back, or what appears to be the nub of a tail where her backbone ends?
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 6 Dec. 2024
Through October 31, a small goes for $5, a medium is $6, and a large is $7.
—Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner, Forbes, 27 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for small
Dictionary Entries Near small
Cite this Entry
“Small.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/small. Accessed 28 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
small
1 of 3 adjective1
: little in size
2
: little in amount
a small supply
3
: not very much : minor
small success
4
: not important
a small matter
5
: operating on a limited scale
small dealers
6
: soft entry 1 sense 1c
a small voice
8
: made up of few or little units
a small crowd
9
: humble entry 1 sense 1, modest
a small beginning
10
: having been humiliated or humbled
felt very small to be caught cheating
small
2 of 3 adverb1
: in or into small pieces
cut the meat small
2
: in a small manner
most businesses begin small
small
3 of 3 noun
: a part smaller and especially narrower than the rest
the small of the back
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