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

Blackwood made two highlight-reel saves during a Vegas power play and stopped multiple mini-breakaways in the middle period as well. —Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 27 May 2026

Recently, Boston Dynamics showed how Atlas learned heavy lifting through reinforcement learning and simulation, carrying shifting loads like mini-fridges just weeks after its public debut. —Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 27 May 2026

Adjective

This fabulous mini dress is perfect for date night, a baby shower, or a summer wedding—available in nine gorgeous, colorful patterns, choose the dress that best fits your personal style. —Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 26 May 2026

America meets Jerry the dinosaur Jomboy Media helped UCLA freshman Angel Cervantes and a mini dinosaur named Jerry go viral during the weekend. —Marisa Ingemi, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2026

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

Rhymes for mini

• finny
• ginny
• jinny
• minnie
• ninny
• pinnae
• skinny
• spinney
• spline
• swinney
• tinny
• whinny

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