less less /ˈlɛs/

adjective

1. () (comparative of 'little' usually used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning not as great in amount or degree  ( less )
   (comparative of 'little' usually used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning not as great in amount or degree
    Of less importance
   of less importance
    Less time to spend with the family
   less time to spend with the family
    A shower uses less water
   a shower uses less water
    Less than three years old
   less than three years old
   
2. (nonstandard in some uses but often idiomatic with measure phrases) fewer  ( less )
   (nonstandard in some uses but often idiomatic with measure phrases) fewer
    Less than three weeks
   less than three weeks
    No less than 50 people attended
   no less than 50 people attended
    In 25 words or less
   in 25 words or less
   
3. (usually preceded by 'no') lower in quality  ( less )
   (usually preceded by 'no') lower in quality
    No less than perfect
   no less than perfect
   

adverb

1. () Used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs  ( to a lesser extent , less )
   used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
    Less interesting
   less interesting
    Less expensive
   less expensive
    Less quickly
   less quickly
   
2. () Comparative of little  ( less )
   comparative of little
    She walks less than she should
   she walks less than she should
    He works less these days
   he works less these days
   

preposition

1. () Not having or including a particular component.  ( less , minus , without )
   Not having or including a particular component.
   

 les les /lɛs/

noun

1. [Informal] A female homosexual  ( gay woman , lesbian , tribade , les [Informal] , lez [Informal] )
   a female homosexual