This meaning is about something that is not big. It can describe size, amount, or number. We use it to say things are less than usual.
She has a small dog at home.
I live in a small city near the coast.
Here, 'small' means not very important or serious. It refers to things that are minor or less valuable.
It was a small problem to fix.
The small details do not matter much.
This meaning is used for people or animals that are young or not grown up. It shows youth or immaturity.
The small children are playing outside.
She cares for small kittens every day.
Used as a noun, 'small' refers to a child or a person who is small in size or age. It is less common, often informal or regional.
The small is playing in the garden.
She is waiting for the small to finish school.
In business, 'small' can be a noun meaning coins or small money used for paying exact prices or change.
Do you have any small for the bus fare?
I need small to pay the cashier.
In certain dialects or older English, 'small' may refer to a small room or study where a person works alone. This use is rare today.
He worked late in his small.
The small is quiet and private for reading.
Here, 'small' is used to describe someone or something of low status, rank, or modest position, often with a respectful or sympathetic tone.
He comes from a small family.
She has a small job at the company.
In music theory, 'small' describes intervals that are smaller by one semitone than major intervals, such as small thirds or small sevenths.
The composer used a small third chord.
Small intervals create a sad sound.
