minimum

noun

min·​i·​mum ˈmi-nə-məm How to pronounce minimum (audio)
plural minima ˈmi-nə-mə How to pronounce minimum (audio) 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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Our team tested each headphone for a minimum of three sessions across various environments, including at the gym and office and during commutes and travel days. Jordana Comiter, People.com, 4 Nov. 2024 At a minimum, these developments indicate that the traditional centers of the cocktail world no longer dominate the conversation. Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 2 Nov. 2024 At minimum, the show serves as an hour to deride the maps, magic walls and needles that will inevitably rule the night. Matt Brennan, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2024 What's next: The funding has a minimum of 24 months of runway, as the company focuses on onboarding more customers, Narayanan says. Aaron Weitzman, Axios, 30 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for minimum 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of minimum was in 1646

Dictionary Entries Near minimum

Cite this Entry

“Minimum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/minimum. Accessed 9 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

minimum

noun
min·​i·​mum ˈmin-ə-məm How to pronounce minimum (audio)
plural minima -ə-mə How to pronounce minimum (audio) 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 How to pronounce minimum (audio)
plural minima -ə-mə How to pronounce minimum (audio) 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 countryE. A. Strecker
establishing minimum standards for medical educationCIBA Symposia
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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