smidgen

noun
smid·​gen | \ ˈsmi-jən How to pronounce smidgen (audio) \
variants: or less commonly smidgeon or smidgin or smidge \ ˈsmij How to pronounce smidge (audio) \

Definition of smidgen

: a small amount : bit a smidgen of salt a smidgen of common sense

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Examples of smidgen in a Sentence

I'll just have a smidgen of ice cream. the maid cleaned the house until there wasn't even a smidgen of dust left

Recent Examples on the Web

Giolito’s finale is a smidgen more ambiguous than some readers will want, but maybe this means Sophia Weber will be back again — a very good thing. Richard Lipez, Washington Post, "Looking for a summer thriller? Here are 9 picks for your beach bag.," 20 June 2019 Ken Peppercorn, now 97, told The Observer newspaper in London, reflecting the stoicism of his generation in his account of wading ashore under fire and scrambling to find a smidgen of cover in a crater hewed from the dunes by shellfire. Alan Cowell, New York Times, "D-Day in Photos: Heroes of a More Certain Time," 6 June 2019 Republican Pat McCrory won the governorship in 2012 by 11.5 points but lost by a smidgen four years later. The Editorial Board, WSJ, "North Carolina’s Gerrymander Coup," 30 Aug. 2018 While knee-length skirts look a smidgen too modest with flats, above-the-knee hemlines are charmingly cheeky. Chloe Malle, WSJ, "Why Smart, Chic Women Are Abandoning High Heels (Forever)," 8 Nov. 2018 Newsom, California’s two-term lieutenant governor, still remains solidly ahead in the race, but Cox managed to pick up more support from independents and a smidgen of Democrats since July, the survey showed. Chris Stirewalt, Fox News, "Dems opt to stick it out with Pelosi," 28 Sep. 2018 Ostapenko won the French Open last year by swinging for the lines without a smidgen of self doubt. Christopher Clarey, New York Times, "A Calm Serena Williams Claims Her Spot in the Wimbledon Semifinals," 10 July 2018 Some experts warn that under President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Egypt is sliding from authoritarian rule into a totalitarian system where even a smidgen of dissent is intolerable. Declan Walsh, New York Times, "Even With Mo Salah in the World Cup, Egypt Can’t Seem to Catch a Break," 23 June 2018 Now, immigration ranks second only to pro-Trump spots in GOP campaigns across the country — and just by a smidgen. Eliza Collins, USA TODAY, "Exclusive: Immigration dominating GOP candidates' TV ads in House contests across the country," 29 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'smidgen.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of smidgen

1845, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for smidgen

probably alteration of English dialect smitch soiling mark

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More Definitions for smidgen

smidgen

noun

English Language Learners Definition of smidgen

informal : a small amount