# WIS

/ˈwɪs/ (US) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/wis
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

a very small amount or a tiny piece of something. It is an old-fashioned word that people rarely use today except in specific local areas.

For teachers: a minute amount, a tiny piece, or a small portion of something. Archaic or dialectal in usage; largely replaced by 'bit' or 'scrap' in modern standard English.

## Examples

- There was not a wis of truth in his story.
- The old man searched the cupboard but found not a wis of bread left for his dinner.
- The historical records provide barely a wis of evidence to support the theory that the village was founded before the tenth century.

## Usage notes

- Typically used in the singular, often in negative constructions like 'not a wis'.

---

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.