minimum

noun

min·​i·​mum ˈmi-nə-məm 

plural minima ˈmi-nə-mə  or minimums

1

: the least quantity assignable, admissible, or possible

Keep expenses to a bare minimum.

He was sentenced to a minimum of 10 years in prison.

2

: the least of a set of numbers

specifically : the smallest value assumed by a continuous (see continuous sense 2) function defined on a closed (see closed sense 3b) interval

3

a

: the lowest degree or amount of variation (as of temperature) reached or recorded

b

: the lowest speed allowed on a highway

minimum adjective

Examples of minimum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Aged for a minimum of five years, the National Parks No. 4 whiskey offers a blend of flavors such as vanilla, candied ginger, crème caramel and honeysuckle. —Rachel King, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024

Middle Tennessee is under a winter storm warning until 6 a.m. Tuesday, with a potential for a minimum of 2 inches of snow. —Amber Roberson, The Tennessean, 20 Dec. 2024

Since that effectively limits Sasaki's rookie pay to the major league minimum plus a bonus in the $5-$7 million range, salary is a non-issue for teams interested in signing him. —Gord Magill, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024

Jewel Badgley Mischka Stacy Ankle Strap Pump $109 $76 at Nordstrom Parisians aren’t known to wear anything that glitters (even jewelry is kept to a minimum). —Lane Nieset, Travel + Leisure, 19 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin, neuter of minimus smallest; akin to Latin minor smaller — more at minor

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing minimum

• alternative minimum tax
• at a/the minimum
• minimum security prison
• minimum wage
• sub-minimum
• to a (bare) minimum

Kids Definition

minimum

noun

min·​i·​mum ˈmin-ə-məm 

plural minima -ə-mə  or minimums

1

: the least quantity possible or allowable

2

: the lowest degree or amount reached or recorded

minimum adjective

Medical Definition

minimum

1 of 2 noun

min·​i·​mum ˈmin-ə-məm 

plural minima -ə-mə  or minimums

1

: the least quantity assignable, admissible, or possible

2

: the lowest degree or amount of variation (as of temperature) reached or recorded

minimum

2 of 2 adjective

: of, relating to, or constituting a minimum

meet the minimum psychiatric needs of the country

—E. A. Strecker

establishing minimum standards for medical education

—CIBA Symposia