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

Private wealth teams generally focus on households with accounts at $10 million and above, even though their account minimums may be far lower, and that there is typically no minimum for related household accounts, such as children. —R.j. Shook, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025

The Nets had just eight healthy players in Wednesday’s game against the Detroit Pistons at Barclays Center, the minimum allowed per NBA rules. —C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 9 Jan. 2025

Remember, some cities and state taxes are pricier than others, and certain venues have headcount minimums to keep in mind. —Virginia Van Zanten, Vogue, 9 Jan. 2025

The location at 675 22nd St. will still offer top-secret shows, free pizza from Rocky Mountain Pizza (which Bryant purchases for guests), and promises of no two-drink minimum — unlike the A-room clubs of Comedy Works and Denver Improv. —John Wenzel, The Denver Post, 8 Jan. 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