measly

adjective

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

Synonyms of measly

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
One bag serves three hearty portions, or four measly ones. — Alex Beggs, Bon Appetit Magazine, 25 Apr. 2026 They'll also be fined for it—and not just a measly amount, either. — Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 11 June 2026 Over the first five minutes, Texas went 2-for-5 from the field with two turnovers while mustering a measly four points. — Danny Davis, Austin American Statesman, 3 Apr. 2026 It can’t be helped that the foundation barely organized a study and sent one measly addiction specialist to the region. — Chicago Tribune, 23 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for measly

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of measly was in 1598

Browse Nearby Words

measles
measly
measurability
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Measly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/measly. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of measly for Spanish Speakers

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