The Merriam-Webster Word of the Day is minion. Read on for what it means, how it’s used, and more.

What It Means

A minion is someone who is not powerful or important and who obeys the orders of a powerful leader or boss.

// The kingpin has a group of minions to run errands.

MINION in Context

“Witchy Witch, the Wicked Witch of Westchester …, along with her minion, Goble Ghoul …, is intent on taking over the world and destroying Halloween forever.” — Stefani Dias, The Bakersfield Californian, 15 Sept. 2021

Did You Know?

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.