minor league

noun

: a league of professional clubs in a sport other than the recognized major leagues
minor-league
ˈmī-nər-ˈlēg How to pronounce minor league (audio)
adjective

Examples of minor league 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.
Summary The Los Angeles Dodgers have signed veteran catcher Chadwick Tromp to a minor league deal, bolstering their depth amidst recent setbacks and injuries to key backstops like Will Smith and Dalton Rushing. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026 The Yankees did add to their Triple-A bullpen on Friday, though, signing veteran right-hander Justin Topa to a minor league deal. — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 14 Aug. 2026 Rengifo was released by the Brewers on June 23 and signed a minor league deal with the Padres six days later. — ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026 And nearly floor-to-ceiling windows offer impressive views, including to Dunkin’ Park, the city’s minor league ballpark, from apartments facing north. — Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 9 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for minor league

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of minor league was in 1884

Rhymes for minor league

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Browse Nearby Words

minor key
minor league
minor leaguer
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Cite this Entry

“Minor league.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/minor%20league. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

minor league

noun
: a professional sports league (as in baseball) that is not one of the major leagues

More from Merriam-Webster on minor league

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about minor league

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