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.
Samad Taylor signed a minor league contract with the Padres in January. — Annie Heilbrunn, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 July 2026 Atlanta signed Andrew McCutchen to a minor league deal in their ongoing search for offense. — ABC News, 3 July 2026 The Texas Rangers signed Espinal to a minor league contract just a few weeks after the Dodgers outrighted him to the minors. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026 Keys was promoted from Triple-A Buffalo last week after hitting 21 home runs at two minor league levels this season. — Cbs New York Team, CBS News, 1 July 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

See All Rhymes for minor league

Browse Nearby Words

minor key
minor league
minor leaguer
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Minor league.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/minor%20league. Accessed 7 Jul. 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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