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

The Bruins finished with 52 deflections — defined as steals, blocks, tipped passes or loose balls collected — to easily exceed the minimum of 40 that Cronin wants in a game. —Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2024

The world is gambling that a country that’s shown a bare minimum of commitment to this entire process can keep us all on a path to staving off catastrophic warming. —Zoë Schlanger, The Atlantic, 5 Nov. 2024

But Republicans have improved in early voting in most competitive states compared to 2020, when Biden won, and 2022, when Democrats exceeded expectations in the midterm elections and kept GOP gains to a minimum. —W. James Antle Iii, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 4 Nov. 2024

To keep frustrations to a minimum, choose a music player with controls that are easy for little fingers to press and an interface that matches their skill level. —Cheryl Fenton, Parents, 2 Nov. 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