ˈlɪtəl ˈlɪtl̩ ˈlɘtl̩ ˈlɪ.ɾɫ̩ small in a way that arouses feelings (of tenderness or its opposite depending on the context) a nice little job bless your little heart my dear little mother a sweet little deal I'm tired of your petty little schemes filthy little tricks what a nasty little situation