1
: a servile dependent, follower, or underling
He's one of the boss's minions.
2
: one highly favored : idol
his great charity to the poor renders him the minion of the people—
Jonas Hanway
Jonas Hanway3
: a subordinate (see subordinate entry 1 sense 1) or petty official
government minions
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The Origins of Minion
Minion comes from Middle French and is related to filet mignon. The two terms are connected by mignon, meaning "darling." The earliest uses of minion refer to someone who is a particular favorite of a sovereign or other important personage. Over time, however, the word developed a more derogatory sense referring to a person who is servile and unimportant.
Examples of minion in a Sentence
one of the boss's minions
most of the top appointments went to the new governor's personal minions and political cronies
Recent Examples on the Web
The dancer parts include minions, palace guards, enchanted birds and a hunting party.
—San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Mar. 2025
Two months into Donald Trump’s second term, his Republican attack dogs, including Elon Musk and his minions at DOGE, are still busy chewing into many parts of the federal government.
—John Cassidy, The New Yorker, 24 Mar. 2025
Near the cosplay showcase on the floor, father Tim Gillam was dressed as Krampus while his son, Tim Gillam Jr., and his son’s friend, Riddick Ackerman, were dressed as Krampus’ minions in costumes made by Ackerman’s dad, Anthony.
—Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 22 Mar. 2025
While there, Mel’s mom, June, warns her daughter that Keith has a Following-like network of minions both inside and outside the prison who are willing to do his bidding.
—Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 20 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for minion
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San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Mar. 2025
Two months into Donald Trump’s second term, his Republican attack dogs, including Elon Musk and his minions at DOGE, are still busy chewing into many parts of the federal government.
—John Cassidy, The New Yorker, 24 Mar. 2025
Near the cosplay showcase on the floor, father Tim Gillam was dressed as Krampus while his son, Tim Gillam Jr., and his son’s friend, Riddick Ackerman, were dressed as Krampus’ minions in costumes made by Ackerman’s dad, Anthony.
—Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 22 Mar. 2025
While there, Mel’s mom, June, warns her daughter that Keith has a Following-like network of minions both inside and outside the prison who are willing to do his bidding.
—Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 20 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for minion
Cite this Entry
“Minion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/minion. Accessed 29 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
minion
noun
min·ion
ˈmin-yən 
1
: a person who obediently serves or works for a usually powerful person or organization
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