wee

[ wee ]

adjective

, we·er, we·est.

1. little; very small.

   Synonyms: minuscule, diminutive, tiny

2. very early:

   in the wee hours of the morning.

wee

¹

/ wiː /

adjective

1. very small; tiny; minute

noun

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

wee

²

/ wiː /

noun

1. 1. the act or an instance of urinating
   2. urine

verb

1. intr to urinate

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

C13: from Old English wǣg weight

Origin of wee²

of unknown origin

Example Sentences

At the wee age of 6, Davis learned how to use a sewing machine from his grandmother, which set up the young designer to be inspired by his surroundings from that point forward.

From Essence.com

Scientists envision that these microfliers, when equipped with wee sensors for measuring environmental conditions, could monitor pH, test for heavy metals or assess hazards like chemical spills, for example.

From Science News

“I’m tired of praying over a person in a casket that I played pee-wee football with,” he said.

From Washington Post

Others, just a wee bit smaller, seem to be rocky “super-Earths.”

From Nautilus

It’s a charming and outrageous corrective after previous films had started to take themselves a wee bit too seriously.

From Washington Post

How about baby drama with little Abijean and the Wee Baby Seamus?

From The Daily Beast

In the wee hours of Christmas morning, a flight deal was shared in an exclusive Facebook group for urban travelers.

From The Daily Beast

Pee-wee was also a family favorite, and we caught the show on Broadway.

From The Daily Beast

There was talk of a Judd Apatow-produced Pee-wee film getting made a few years back.

From The Daily Beast

This was the real deal, we wee Dylanologists told ourselves, this was pure…what?

From The Daily Beast

To think,” said the younger Englishwoman to her sister, “of this wee mite travelling about in an open motor!

From Project Gutenberg

The wee round wonders with their mystery of velvety colour are well fitted to take captive the young eye.

From Project Gutenberg

If Wee Willie Winkie took an interest in anyone, the fortunate man was envied alike by the mess and the rank and file.

From Project Gutenberg

That's going to make things lots easier for my scheme, 'but I'll 'bide a wee' before I spring it on the Pater.

From Project Gutenberg

On the stool sat Marmaduke, putting on his, and Mother helped little Hepzebiah with her wee little ones.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• microscopic
• teeny