English Explanatory Dictionary

minion

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A loyal servant of another, usually a more powerful being.
  2. A sycophantic follower.
  3. The size of type between nonpareil and brevier, standardized as 7-point.
  4. A loved one; one highly esteemed and favoured.
  5. An ancient form of ordnance with a calibre of about three inches.
  6. Obsolete form of minium.
adj
  1. Favoured, beloved; "pet".

Pronunciation

/ˈmɪnjən/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-minion.wav

Word forms

minion minions more minion most minion

Etymology

First use appears c. 1490, from Middle French mignon (“lover, royal favourite, darling”), from Old French mignon (“dainty, pleasing, gentle, kind”), from Frankish *minnju (“love, friendship, affection, memory”), from Proto-Germanic *minjō (“affectionate thought, care”), from Proto-Indo-European *men- (“to think”). Doublet of mignon.

Synonyms

disciple follower acolyte adjutant aide bootlicker flunkey footman henchman hireling inferior lackey lap dog lickspittle man Friday minion myrmidon poodle retainer right-hand man right-hand woman servant stooge subordinate sycophant toady underling vassal yes man

Derived words

miniondom minionette minionhood minioning minionish minionlike minionly minionship
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