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Definition of measly

measly

/ˈmiːz.li/
meas · ly
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measly Lexical Profile

measly Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Contemptibly small, meager, or inadequate in amount, size, or value.

Example

"After working overtime all weekend, he received only a measly bonus for his efforts."

2

Infected with measles, or containing larval tapeworm cysts (especially of pork or beef).

Example

"The health inspector immediately condemned the shipment of measly pork before it could reach the market."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for measly

• Nearby Words

meantime
meanwhile
measles
measly
measurability
measurable
measurableness

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the late 14th century as a literal description of pork infected with tapeworm cysts or a person afflicted with the measles; the informal figurative sense of 'contemptibly small' emerged in the mid-19th century.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Measly. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/measly
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