wee

1 of 2

adjective

ˈwē How to pronounce wee (audio)
Synonyms of wee
1
: very small : diminutive
2
: very early
wee hours of the morning

WEE

2 of 2

abbreviation

western equine encephalitis

Synonyms of wee

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Adjective

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Examples of wee in a Sentence

Adjective He's just a wee lad.
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.
Adjective
Lily sacrificed her life on that day to protect wee Harry, just a baby at the time of her death, with a love shield. — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 27 Oct. 2026 Thousands of musicians and music lovers flock to Chattanooga, filling up hotel rooms and hallways with impromptu jam sessions that last until the wee hours. — Garret K. Woodward, Rolling Stone, 24 Oct. 2026 Meanwhile, those who needed to rest their feet, or simply wanted to chat, sprawled out on benches beneath the hanging roots of the trees until the wee hours. — Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 24 Oct. 2026 There is also a wee door with a wee window facing Harry, which means Halsey can keep an eye on him even from inside the workshop. — Danielle Parker, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wee

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English we, from we, noun, little bit, from Old English wǣge weight; akin to Old English wegan to move, weigh — more at way

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1525, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of wee was circa 1525

Phrases Containing wee

Rhymes for wee

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Browse Nearby Words

Wednesday
wee
WEE
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Cite this Entry

“Wee.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wee. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

wee

adjective
ˈwē How to pronounce wee (audio)
1
: very small : tiny
2
: very early
the wee hours of the morning

Medical Definition

WEE

abbreviation
western equine encephalitis; western equine encephalomyelitis
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