mild

adjective

ˈmī(-ə)ld 

1

: gentle in nature or behavior

has a mild disposition

a mild-mannered man who rarely lost his temper

2

a(1)

: moderate in action or effect

a mild sedative

(2)

: not sharp, spicy, or bitter

mild cheese

mild ale

b

: not being or involving what is extreme

an analysis under mild conditions

a mild case of the flu

3

: not severe : temperate

a mild climate

mild symptoms of disease

mildly

mī(-ə)l(d)-lē 

adverb

mildness

ˈmī(-ə)l(d)-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of mild

• temperate
• moderate
• gentle
• sunny

Examples of mild in a Sentence

He has a mild manner.

He was a mild-mannered man who rarely became angry.

They had a mild disagreement.

She has a mild case of the flu.

He suffered a mild concussion attack.

a mild reprimand, not a stern one

We've been having a very mild winter.

Recent Examples on the Web

The other is aji amarillo, a creamier, milder, pale yellow sauce fragrant with oregano and garlic. —Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026

The findings provide a practical method for producing high-capacity batteries that remain stable under mild operating conditions, simplifying the transition from laboratory prototypes to industrial manufacturing. —Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 30 Apr. 2026

Salmon, rainbow trout, and tuna offer heart-protective nutrients with a milder flavor. —Lindsey Desoto, Health, 30 Apr. 2026

Napa cabbage is more tender and milder than other cabbage varieties. —Victoria Spencer, Martha Stewart, 30 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English milde; akin to Greek malthakos soft, Latin mollis — more at melt

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing mild

• mild steel

Rhymes for mild

• filed
• piled
• riled
• smiled
• styled
• tiled
• wild
• beguiled
• brainchild
• compiled
• defiled
• exiled

Kids Definition

mild

adjective

ˈmī(ə)ld 

1

: gentle in nature or behavior

a mild person

2

a

: not strong in action or effect

a mild drug

b

: not sharp, spicy, or bitter

a mild cheese

3

: not severe : temperate sense 5

mild weather

mildly

ˈmī(ə)l-(d)lē 

adverb

mildness

ˈmī(ə)l(d)-nəs 

noun

Medical Definition

mild

adjective

ˈmī(ə)ld 

1

: moderate in action or effect

a mild drug

2

: not severe

a mild case of the flu