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 proposal requires a variance for a reduction of the front-yard setback to four feet, where a minimum of six feet is required to accommodate drainage. —Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Feb. 2025

The statewide minimum housing code doesn’t include guidelines for mold, but rather focuses on basic safety precautions such as a building’s foundation, MacLeod said. —Nora O’Neill, Charlotte Observer, 12 Feb. 2025

Kershaw exercised the opt-out clause, forgoing the right to a second year that paid a minimum of $5 million and a maximum of $25 million based on escalator clauses and performance bonuses for 2025. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025

Donald Trump signs off on 25% steel and aluminum tariffs President Donald Trump removed the exceptions and exemptions from his 2018 tariffs on steel, meaning that all steel imports will be taxed at a minimum of 25%. —Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2025

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