simpler
ˈsim-p(ə-)lər 
; simplest
ˈsim-p(ə-)ləst
; simplest
ˈsim-p(ə-)ləst
1
: free from guile : innocent
2
a
: free from vanity : modest
b
: free from ostentation or display
a simple outfit
3
: of humble origin or modest position
a simple farmer
4
5
b
: free of secondary complications
a simple vitamin deficiency
c(1)
: having only one main clause and no subordinate clauses
a simple sentence
(2)
of a subject or predicate
: having no modifiers, complements, or objects
d
: constituting a basic element : fundamental
e
: not made up of many like units
a simple eye
6
: free from elaboration or figuration
simple harmony
7
a(1)
: not subdivided into branches or leaflets
a simple stem
a simple leaf
(2)
: consisting of a single carpel
(3)
: developing from a single ovary
a simple fruit
b
: controlled by a single gene
simple inherited characters
8
: not limited or restricted : unconditional
a simple obligation
9
: readily understood or performed
simple directions
the adjustment was simple to make
10
of a statistical hypothesis
: specifying exact values for one or more statistical parameters compare composite sense 3
1
2
a
: a medicinal plant
b
: a vegetable drug having only one ingredient
3
: one component of a complex
specifically
: an unanalyzable constituent
Examples of simple in a Sentence
Adjective
The solution to the problem was relatively simple.
The answer is really quite simple.
There are three simple steps to follow.
The camera is simple to use.
Don't go into too much detail in the report. Just keep it simple and to the point.
The melody is very simple.
I'm a simple farmer just trying to make a living.
He enjoys the simple pleasure of spending time with his wife and kids after work.
Relaxing on the beach and watching the sunset is one of life's simple pleasures.
Recent Examples on the Web
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 30 Oct. 2025
These delightful ceramic dishes remind us of Christmas china in the best ways—simple, a bit nostalgic, and ready to be piled high with all of our favorite recipes.
—Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 29 Oct. 2025
For instance, a simple task like booking an airline ticket could mean navigating a web browser and accessing multiple APIs.
—Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 29 Oct. 2025
The founder and owner of Alamosa’s Spare Keg Brewerks says the reason was simple.
—Max Scheinblum, Denver Post, 29 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for simple
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Adjective
The simple and eco-friendly method to turn agricultural and forestry waste into powerful magnetic materials can effectively remove toxic chemicals from water.
—Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 30 Oct. 2025
These delightful ceramic dishes remind us of Christmas china in the best ways—simple, a bit nostalgic, and ready to be piled high with all of our favorite recipes.
—Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 29 Oct. 2025
For instance, a simple task like booking an airline ticket could mean navigating a web browser and accessing multiple APIs.
—Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 29 Oct. 2025
The founder and owner of Alamosa’s Spare Keg Brewerks says the reason was simple.
—Max Scheinblum, Denver Post, 29 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for simple
Cite this Entry
“Simple.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/simple. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
simple
1 of 2 adjective
sim·ple
ˈsim-pəl
simpler
-p(ə-)lər
; simplest
-p(ə-)ləst
; simplest
-p(ə-)ləst
1
: free from complexity or difficulty: as
a
: easily treated or cured
a simple vitamin deficiency
b
: controlled by a single gene
simple inherited characters
2
: of, relating to, or being an epithelium in which the cells are arranged in a single layer
simple
2 of 2 noun1
: a medicinal plant
2
: a vegetable drug having only one ingredient
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