wee

[wee]

adjective

weer, weest 

1. little; very small.

   Synonyms: minuscule, diminutive, tiny

2. very early.

   in the wee hours of the morning.

wee

¹

/ wiː /

noun

1. 1. the act or an instance of urinating

   2. urine

verb

1. (intr) to urinate

wee

²

/ wiː /

adjective

1. very small; tiny; minute

noun

1. a short time (esp in the phrase bide a wee. )

Word History and Origins

Origin of wee¹

before 1150 for an earlier sense; Middle English we, variant of wei (small) quantity, Old English wēg, Anglian form of wǣge weight, akin to wegan to weigh ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of wee¹

of unknown origin

Origin of wee²

C13: from Old English wǣg _weight

Example Sentences

He turned from a Jack Russell into a wee barrel.

From BBC

After relaxing in her flat, sharing a bottle of wine, and talking into the wee hours, she coolly announces that “it’s time for bed.”

From Salon

"People will say it's just a dog, but she wasn't just a dog she was my wee girl," she said.

From BBC

There was a celebrated Royal opening in 2004 where I remember one hard-nosed journalist marvelling at what had been achieved by this "dapper wee man in a kilt".

From BBC

Ever practical, Ellington, who composed mostly in wee hours after gigs, always wrote for the occasion and the players.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• microscopic 
• teeny