minor league

¹

[ mahy-ner leeg ]

noun

, Sports.

1. any association of professional teams other than the major leagues, as in baseball, especially when the member teams are associated with or controlled by major-league teams, which use them as training and proving teams for promising players.

minor-league

²

[ mahy-ner-leeg ]

adjective

1. Sports. of or relating to the minor leagues, especially in baseball.
2. Informal. of little import or consequence:

   a painter with minor-league talent.

   Synonyms: second-rate, lesser, insignificant

minor league

noun

1. any professional league in baseball other than a major league Compare major league
2. modifier of relatively little importance

   that firm is very minor league

Other Words From

• minor lea·guer mi·nor-lea·guer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of minor league¹

An Americanism dating back to 1880–85

Origin of minor league²

An Americanism dating back to 1930–35; adjective use of minor league ( def )

Example Sentences

The Rays agreed this week to become the second team to play the 2025 season in a minor league stadium.

From Los Angeles Times

He arrived as an under-the-radar journeyman, a Mexican utility player signed to a minor league contract.

From Los Angeles Times

He was minor league field coordinator before that.

From Los Angeles Times

Three of them embarked on careers in baseball, although none played even in the minor leagues.

From Los Angeles Times

The Dodgers won the National League West every year from 2013-19, replenishing the minor league system and developing a talent pipeline second to none in the industry.

From Los Angeles Times