mini

1 of 3

noun

ˈmi-nē 

plural minis

: something small of its kind: such as

a

: minicar

b

: miniskirt

c

: minicomputer

mini

2 of 3

adjective

1

: small in relation to others of the same kind

2

: of short length or duration : brief

mini-

3 of 3

combining form

: smaller or briefer than usual, normal, or standard

minicourse

minibus

Examples of mini in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

At the front of the ThinkCentre mini PC, there is a single USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 port, a single USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 port, and a headphone jack and power button. —Tom Warren, The Verge, 7 Jan. 2025

She first was spotted in a white mini dress embellished with pearls and crystals, accessorized with satin white pumps. —Christian Allaire, Vogue, 7 Jan. 2025

Adjective

In returning to work for the first time in five days as a result of their unexpected break, the Hornets’ 120-113 loss to the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center represented another mini milestone. —Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 13 Jan. 2025

With all that sunshine, the room is even used as a mini orangery. —Ulrich Clewing, Architectural Digest, 12 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

mini-

Combining form

miniature

First Known Use

Noun

1960, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1963, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing mini

• mini-mart
• mini pill
• mini-stroke

Kids Definition

mini

1 of 2 noun

ˈmin-ē

: something small of its kind: as

a

: miniskirt

b

: minicomputer

mini-

2 of 2 combining form

: very small or short : miniature

minibike

miniskirt

Etymology

Combining form

derived by shortening from miniature