small-scale \ˈ ̷ ̷| ̷ ̷\adjective 1. a.: small in scope; especially: having a small output or product < a small-scale pilot plant > < small-scale farms > b.: occupied with or engaged in a small-scale operation < a small-scale retailer > 2.of a map: having a scale (as one inch to 25 miles) that permits plotting of comparatively little detail — compare large-scale