least common denominator

noun

: the least common multiple of two or more denominators

Examples of least common denominator in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Now that fires from Pacific Palisades to Altadena to Castaic have finally subsided, thousands upon thousands of residents are returning to a life dispossessed of its least common denominators. Phi Do, Los Angeles Times, 7 Feb. 2025 Appealing to the least common denominator can create attrition for your first quintiles. John Pierce, Forbes, 7 June 2022 Usually developers aim for the least common denominator when there’s a discrepancy, to ensure the largest audience. Hayden Dingman, PCWorld, 30 Apr. 2019

Word History

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of least common denominator was in 1851

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Cite this Entry

“Least common denominator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/least%20common%20denominator. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

least common denominator

noun
: the least common multiple of the denominators of two or more fractions

called also lowest common denominator

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