small-scale

adjective

ˈsmȯl-ˈskāl How to pronounce small-scale (audio)
1
: small in scope
especially : small in output or operation
2
of a map : having a scale (such as one inch to 25 miles) that permits plotting of comparatively little detail and shows mainly large features

Examples of small-scale in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The California Legislature just passed two bills that advocates say will greatly improve access to small-scale solar for renters, people in condos and others who don’t have access to their roofs or can’t afford a full rooftop array. — Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026 The idea aims to keep hundreds of cars from flooding the small-scale surface streets, many of which showcase the neighborhood’s recent rural roots. — Mark Dee august 27, Idaho Statesman, 27 Aug. 2026 Parton’s first foray into the tourism world was marked by a joint venture between the singer and Herschend Family Entertainment, which purchased a small-scale theme park in the Great Smoky Mountains in 1977. — Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026 British energy companies are on alert after hackers believed to be affiliated with the Iranian regime temporarily shut down a small-scale energy generator last month, The Sunday Telegraph reported. — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for small-scale

Word History

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of small-scale was in 1851

Rhymes for small-scale

See All Rhymes for small-scale

Browse Nearby Words

small sagebrush
small-scale
small screen
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Small-scale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/small-scale. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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