1 mere | Definition of mere
Logo
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

mere

adjective
\ ˈmir How to pronounce mere (audio) \
superlative merest

Definition of mere

 (Entry 1 of 4)

1 : being nothing more than a mere mortal a mere hint of spice
2 : having no admixture (see admixture sense 2) : pure
3 obsolete : being nothing less than : absolute

mere

noun (1)

Definition of mere (Entry 2 of 4)

chiefly British
: an expanse of standing (see standing entry 1 sense 2) water : lake, pool had seen several boats on an inland mere — Yale Review

mere

noun (2)

Definition of mere (Entry 3 of 4)

: boundary also : landmark

-mere

noun combining form

Definition of -mere (Entry 4 of 4)

: part : segment metamere
Other Words from mere Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about mere

Keep scrolling for more

Other Words from mere

Adjective

merely adverb

Synonyms for mere

Synonyms: Adjective

bare, very

Visit the Thesaurus for More 

Examples of mere in a Sentence

Adjective

 the mere idea of your traveling alone to Europe is ridiculous

First Known Use of mere

Adjective

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Noun (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for mere

Adjective

Middle English, from Latin merus; akin to Old English āmerian to purify and perhaps to Greek marmairein to sparkle — more at morn

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Old English — more at marine

Noun (2)

Middle English, from Old English mǣre; akin to Old Norse landamæri borderland

Noun combining form

French -mère, from Greek meros part — more at merit

Keep scrolling for more

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for mere

mere

adjective
How to pronounce -mere (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of mere

—used to say that something or someone is small, unimportant, etc.
—used to say that something small is important or has a big effect or influence

See the full definition for mere in the English Language Learners Dictionary

mere

adjective
\ ˈmir How to pronounce mere (audio) \
superlative merest

Kids Definition of mere

: nothing more than mere rumors a mere child

Keep scrolling for more

More from Merriam-Webster on mere

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with mere

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for mere

Spanish Central: Translation of mere

Nglish: Translation of mere for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of mere for Arabic Speakers

WORD OF THE DAY

See Definitions and Examples

Get Word of the Day daily email!