maximum

noun

max·​i·​mum ˈmak-s(ə-)məm 

plural maxima ˈmak-sə-mə  or maximums ˈmak-s(ə-)məmz 

1

a

: the greatest quantity or value attainable or attained

b

: the period of highest, greatest, or utmost development

2

: an upper limit allowed (as by a legal authority) or allowable (as by the circumstances of a particular case)

3

: the largest of a set of numbers

specifically : the largest value assumed by a real-valued continuous function defined on a closed interval

maximum adjective

Synonyms

• max
• most
• outside

Examples of maximum in a Sentence

achieved the maximum

Recent Examples on the Web

Penny still faces a charge of criminally negligent homicide, which holds a maximum of four years in prison. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2024

Over defense objections, Wiley then granted the Manhattan district attorney’s motion to dismiss the manslaughter count, functionally allowing the jury to consider the charge carrying a lighter sentence with a maximum of four years in prison. —Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 6 Dec. 2024

To experience it yourself, take a look at Purple's Cyber Monday sale, which can save shoppers a maximum of $1,500 when combining mattresses and bases (smart bed frames that adjust up and down) in a purchase. —Paris Wilson, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Dec. 2024

The number of those sunspots steadily increases as the star moves toward solar maximum. —Denise Chow, NBC News, 1 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin, neuter of maximus biggest — more at maxim

First Known Use

1663, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing maximum

• maximum likelihood
• maximum occupancy
• maximum security prison

Kids Definition

maximum

noun

max·​i·​mum ˈmak-s(ə-)məm 

plural maxima -sə-mə  or maximums

1

: the highest quantity, value, or development

2

: an upper limit allowed

maximum adjective

Medical Definition

maximum

noun

max·​i·​mum ˈmak-s(ə-)məm 

plural maxima -sə-mə  or maximums

1

a

: the greatest quantity or value attainable or attained

b

: the period of highest, greatest, or utmost development

2

: an upper limit allowed (as by a legal authority) or allowable (as by the circumstances of a particular case)

maximum adjective