# littlest

/ˈɫɪtəɫəst/ (US) · /lˈɪtləst/ (UK) · CEFR A1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/littlest
Updated: 2026-10-14

## Definition

smallest in size or amount in a group. You often use it for the youngest child in a family.

For teachers: smallest in size, amount, or degree within a compared group; youngest within a family or similar group.

## Examples

- She picks the littlest apple from the basket.
- The teacher asks the littlest child in the class to hand out the crayons.
- Among the three cottages facing the sea, the littlest looks the most loved, with blue shutters and roses crowding the door.

## Usage notes

- Superlative of 'little'; typically placed before the noun it modifies.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.