Smallest
/ˈsmɔːləst/
Definitions
Least in size, degree, or importance; the least of all.
/ˈsmɔːləst/
The least in size, amount, or degree.
This is the smallest box we have.
💡 Simply: Imagine you have a bunch of toys. The smallest one is the tiniest, the one that takes up the least space, or the one that is not that important, unlike the biggest toy.
👶 For kids: The littlest one.
More Examples
She chose the smallest piece of cake.
The smallest dog in the litter was the most playful.
How It's Used
"The smallest bird in the world is the bee hummingbird."
"Find the smallest positive integer that is divisible by both 6 and 8."
From Middle English *smalest*, equivalent to small + -est. The comparative and superlative forms originated from a distinct Old English word, *smæl* (small), evolving through similar Germanic origins.
The word 'smallest' has been used for centuries in the English language, indicating the superlative form of 'small' from the earliest recorded texts.
Memory tip
Think of a tiny object—it's the smallest!