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

Each grant varied, with a maximum of $5,000; they were announced Thursday at the MAAC campus in Valparaiso. —Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 31 Jan. 2025

Among those seven East guards who are considered top candidates for an All-Star reserve spot this season, a maximum of four can make it. —Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 29 Jan. 2025

This approach would spend a maximum of $50 million, a fifth of what Proposition 1A would raise over the same five-year period. —Melissa Santos, Axios, 28 Jan. 2025

Players can collect a maximum of 12 free badges, one from each weekly chain, with opportunities to earn seven achievements linked to in game challenges. —Stephanie Hirschmiller, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025

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