Not many; a small number; only a small number.n. Not many; only a small number (of persons or things): in this use properly an adjective, used elliptically as a plural noun, and not preceded by the article.n. A small number; a minority: in this sense preceded by the article a (originally in the plural) or the, with or without a noun following, the noun, if used, expressing the whole of which the few are taken, and being in the partitive genitive, with or without the preposition of: as, a few, or a few members, or a few of the members, dissented.n. A small quantity or portion; a little: followed by a noun (without of) in a construction similar to def. 2 and to that of little, n.n. See II., 3.n. Adv. phr. Somewhat; to some slight extent: often used ironically for a good deal.