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

Hernandez faces a maximum of five years in federal prison during his sentencing on Feb. 6, 2025. —Staff and Wire Reports, Hartford Courant, 19 Dec. 2024

Advertisement Each count carries a maximum of 20 years in federal prison, but Girardi faces a less severe prison term under federal guidelines. —Matt Hamilton, Los Angeles Times, 19 Dec. 2024

What's New Missouri Republican Senator Josh Hawley has called for child tax credit to increase by 150 percent to a maximum of $5,000 per child, more than doubling the current limit. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024

These points apply to a Medicare Advantage plan’s out-of-pocket maximum. —Diane Omdahl, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024

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