measlier; measliest
1
: infected with measles
2
a
: containing larval tapeworms
b
: infested with trichinae
3
: contemptibly small
Synonyms
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
Just 48 hours before Selection Sunday, the conference looked destined for two measly NCAA bids.
—
Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 25 Mar. 2024
Released in September 1995, the film was a critical and commercial failure, earning just $20 million against a $45 million budget and a measly 23% positive reviews on aggregate site Rotten Tomatoes.
—USA TODAY, 24 Mar. 2024
See all Example Sentences for measly 
Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 25 Mar. 2024
Released in September 1995, the film was a critical and commercial failure, earning just $20 million against a $45 million budget and a measly 23% positive reviews on aggregate site Rotten Tomatoes.
—USA TODAY, 24 Mar. 2024
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.
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Cite this Entry
“Measly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/measly. Accessed 29 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
measly
adjective
mea·sly
ˈmēz-(ə-)lē 
measlier; measliest
: so small or unimportant as to deserve scorn
left a measly nickel tip
Medical Definition
measly
adjective
mea·sly
ˈmēz-(ə-)lē
measlier; measliest
1
: infected with measles
2
a
: containing larval tapeworms
b
: infected with trichinae
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