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

During a hearing in the case last month, lawyers for the industry groups said the restrictions would apply, at a minimum, to Facebook, YouTube and Snapchat. —Dara Kam, Sun Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2025

At a minimum, says Rincon-Torroella, a memory-altering chip would have to target the hippocampi, for their memory-forming function, and the amygdala, which governs emotions. —Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 20 Mar. 2025

While there’s no set minimum for property investment, apartments start at about $1 million, with the most expensive home on the open market priced in excess of $40 million. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 20 Mar. 2025

The league thus faces challenging odds in convincing at least four justices—the minimum required for the Court to vote to grant cert—to take a closer look. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 20 Mar. 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