minion
Minion (noun) means a follower or underling who carries out orders, often unquestioningly, for someone more powerful. Example: “The villain sent his minions to retrieve the stolen jewel.”
How to use minion
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA loyal but low-ranking follower who does someone else's bidding.
Historically it meant a beloved favorite, quite different from today's slightly negative sense of a servile underling.
Word forms
more minion comparative, most minion superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The villain sent his _____ to retrieve the stolen jewel.
Etymology
From Middle French mignon, "darling" or "favorite," originally describing a royal favorite before it took on its modern, often dismissive sense of a lowly follower.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for minion
Frequently asked questions
What does “minion” mean?
The word “minion” means a follower or underling who carries out orders, often unquestioningly, for someone more powerful. In plain terms, a loyal but low-ranking follower who does someone else's bidding.
How do you pronounce “minion”?
“Minion” is pronounced MIHN-yuhn (/ˈmɪnjən/ in IPA).
How do you use “minion” in a sentence?
Here is “minion” used in a sentence: “The villain sent his minions to retrieve the stolen jewel.”
What part of speech is “minion”?
“Minion” is a noun.
Where does the word “minion” come from?
The word “minion” comes from Middle French. From Middle French mignon, "darling" or "favorite," originally describing a royal favorite before it took on its modern, often dismissive sense of a lowly follower.
Is “minion” a common word?
“Minion” is an uncommon word in modern English.