maximum
noun
max·i·mum
ˈmak-s(ə-)məm 
plural maxima
ˈmak-sə-mə
or maximums
ˈmak-s(ə-)məmz
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
Examples of maximum in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Solar flares are only expected to become more common by 2025 as the sun continues to reach its solar maximum.
—
Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 9 Apr. 2024
Some places in the U.S. come close to the maximum; Kerrville, Texas, will have a totality duration of 4 minutes, 24 seconds.
—Aliza Chasan, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2024
The sun is currently approaching solar maximum later this year, and scientists are eager to capture this peak of activity through a variety of observations that can only occur during eclipses.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN, 7 Apr. 2024
The maximum amount of time that the moon can totally eclipse the sun is 7 1/2 minutes, while the eclipse on April 8 will last one second at the edge of the shadow to a maximum of 4 minutes, 28 seconds in Mexico.
—Dean Regas, The Enquirer, 7 Apr. 2024
Among them is that the state recommended a sentencing range of 43 to 86 months — or a maximum of about seven years — for both parents, who are scheduled to be sentenced on Tuesday after separate juries convicted them on four counts of involuntary manslaughter.
—Tresa Baldas, Detroit Free Press, 4 Apr. 2024
And April’s eclipse will allow scientists a special glimpse of the sun during one of its most active periods, called solar maximum.
—Cnn Com Wire Service, Orange County Register, 2 Apr. 2024
These contracts typically vary in length from 12 months to a maximum of 84 months.
—Sacramento Bee, 27 Mar. 2024
Recordings expire after nine months; In a series recording, a maximum of 30 episodes are stored (oldest deleted first which may be in less than 9 months).
—Danielle Directo-Meston, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Mar. 2024
Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 9 Apr. 2024
Some places in the U.S. come close to the maximum; Kerrville, Texas, will have a totality duration of 4 minutes, 24 seconds.
—Aliza Chasan, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2024
The sun is currently approaching solar maximum later this year, and scientists are eager to capture this peak of activity through a variety of observations that can only occur during eclipses.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN, 7 Apr. 2024
The maximum amount of time that the moon can totally eclipse the sun is 7 1/2 minutes, while the eclipse on April 8 will last one second at the edge of the shadow to a maximum of 4 minutes, 28 seconds in Mexico.
—Dean Regas, The Enquirer, 7 Apr. 2024
Among them is that the state recommended a sentencing range of 43 to 86 months — or a maximum of about seven years — for both parents, who are scheduled to be sentenced on Tuesday after separate juries convicted them on four counts of involuntary manslaughter.
—Tresa Baldas, Detroit Free Press, 4 Apr. 2024
And April’s eclipse will allow scientists a special glimpse of the sun during one of its most active periods, called solar maximum.
—Cnn Com Wire Service, Orange County Register, 2 Apr. 2024
These contracts typically vary in length from 12 months to a maximum of 84 months.
—Sacramento Bee, 27 Mar. 2024
Recordings expire after nine months; In a series recording, a maximum of 30 episodes are stored (oldest deleted first which may be in less than 9 months).
—Danielle Directo-Meston, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'maximum.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near maximum
Cite this Entry
“Maximum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/maximum. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
maximum
noun
max·i·mum
ˈmak-s(ə-)məm
plural maxima
-sə-mə
or maximums
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
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
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