minimal pair
noun
: two linguistic units that differ in a single distinctive feature or constituent (such as voice in the initial consonants of bat and pat)
Examples of minimal pair in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Go with a sleek or minimal pair with comfortable cushioning that won't rub on the skin.
—
John Thompson, Men's Health, 14 Feb. 2023
Sixty-nine percent of you voted for Balmain’s crystal-embellished style over Dries Van Noten’s slimmer and minimal pair.
—Vogue, 19 Dec. 2018
This minimal pair is like a universal donor, looking right at home next to every style of sofa, from contemporary tuxedo to traditional Chesterfield.
—Joanna Linberg, Sunset, 22 Jan. 2018
John Thompson, Men's Health, 14 Feb. 2023
Sixty-nine percent of you voted for Balmain’s crystal-embellished style over Dries Van Noten’s slimmer and minimal pair.
—Vogue, 19 Dec. 2018
This minimal pair is like a universal donor, looking right at home next to every style of sofa, from contemporary tuxedo to traditional Chesterfield.
—Joanna Linberg, Sunset, 22 Jan. 2018
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'minimal pair.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near minimal pair
Cite this Entry
“Minimal pair.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/minimal%20pair. Accessed 27 Apr. 2024.
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