American Dictionary

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Definition small in American English

small adjective

adjective
/smɔl/
1

not large in size, amount, or number

Example

These shoes are too small for me.

Example

Last year's rise in unemployment was the smallest in the last five years.

Example

I'd rather work for a smaller company.

Example

A small number of people have complained about the noise.

Synonyms and related words
2

not very important or difficult

Example

Can you do me a small favor?

Example

I noticed a few small mistakes in your essay.

Synonyms and related words
2.1

limited

Example

Today's meeting was a small but important step toward achieving our goals.

Example

I'd like to help, even if it's only in a small way.

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3

not worth a lot of money, or not involving a lot of money

Example

Joan gave me a small gift for my birthday.

Example

a small business/farm/store

Example

a new mutual fund that is ideal for small investors

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4

small children are very young

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5

small letters are written using the small form of the letter, for example "a," "b," "c," etc..

Synonyms and related words
6

a small voice or sound is quiet

Example

a small sigh

7

the belief that something small-scale is better than a large-scale equivalent

Example

Small is beautiful on the Continent, and European automakers excel at making design-savvy minis, micro-vans, and subcompacts.

Definition small in American English