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

His 18-month sentence is the maximum that can be given for the charges in Colorado. —Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 12 June 2025

But is Herro worth the maximum of $50 million per season that the Heat can offer him as part of an extension this offseason? —Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 11 June 2025

Others can also contribute on their behalf if the amount does not exceed the annual maximum. —Cicely Jones, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025

Vancouver and Seattle each signed their maximum of five players during the signing window, including stars Sarah Nurse (Vancouver), Hilary Knight (Seattle), Alex Carpenter (Seattle) and Sophie Jaques (Vancouver). —Hailey Salvian, New York Times, 9 June 2025

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