measly

adjective

mea·​sly ˈmēz-lē How to pronounce measly (audio)
ˈmē-zə-
measlier; measliest
1
: infected with measles
2
a
: containing larval tapeworms
b
: infested with trichinae
3
: contemptibly small

Examples of measly in a Sentence

She complained about being given such a measly raise. All I want is a few measly minutes of your time.
Recent Examples on the Web Rather than hanging out with John Fisher, maybe Bob Nutting should spend some time in Kansas City with John Sherman or in Detroit with Christopher Ilitch, and learn how an investment in players, and a commitment to winning, can pay dividends well beyond a measly $200,000. Dan Freedman, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2024 These aren’t measly sales with no-name brands either. Megan McCarty, StyleCaster, 23 July 2024 Forrest is a war hero, college graduate, and gazillionaire, but a couple of measly IQ points, and he is automatically filed as incompetent and incapable. Ciara Moloney, IndieWire, 4 July 2024 But don’t accept a measly amount: Airlines were offering as much as $10,000 in gift cards to volunteers last year. Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 May 2023 See all Example Sentences for measly 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'measly.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of measly was in 1598

Dictionary Entries Near measly

Cite this Entry

“Measly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/measly. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

measly

adjective
mea·​sly ˈmēz-(ə-)lē How to pronounce measly (audio)
measlier; measliest
: so small or unimportant as to deserve scorn
left a measly nickel tip

Medical Definition

measly

adjective
mea·​sly ˈmēz-(ə-)lē How to pronounce measly (audio)
measlier; measliest
1
: infected with measles
2
a
: containing larval tapeworms
b
: infected with trichinae

More from Merriam-Webster on measly

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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