maximum

noun

max·​i·​mum ˈmak-s(ə-)məm How to pronounce maximum (audio)
plural maxima ˈmak-sə-mə How to pronounce maximum (audio) or maximums ˈmak-s(ə-)məmz How to pronounce maximum (audio)
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 Out-of-pocket maximums for Medicare Advantage plans also can be as high as $8,850 per year in 2024, and that doesn’t include your Medicare Part B (medical insurance) premiums. Kate Ashford Of Nerdwallet, Quartz, 4 Mar. 2024 On Earth, the average depth of the ocean is about three kilometers with a maximum of 11 kilometers. Discover Magazine, 29 Feb. 2024 Solar scientists are starting to get excited, as the maximum of this particular cycle is set to occur within the next two years. Popular Science, 29 Feb. 2024 The annual out-of-pocket maximum for a family in the exchanges this year is $18,900 and that is the exposure in a typical exchange plan. John C. Goodman, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 Both intakes would operate at a maximum of 3,000 cubic feet per second, pumping water through fine fish screens and into the tunnel for transport south. Hayley Smith, Los Angeles Times, 29 Feb. 2024 Currently, the transition between the solar minimum (the period when the sun has the least number of sunspots) and the solar maximum (when the sun has the most sunspots) is in full swing. Caralin Nunes, The Arizona Republic, 28 Feb. 2024 Before the full-scale invasion, Inna Davydenko saw a maximum of four patients daily. Peter Guest, WIRED, 16 Feb. 2024 On average, the levels were under 10 parts per trillion, with a maximum of about 55 parts per trillion. Christine Condon, Baltimore Sun, 15 Feb. 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.

Word History

Etymology

Latin, neuter of maximus biggest — more at maxim

First Known Use

1663, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of maximum was in 1663

Dictionary Entries Near maximum

Cite this Entry

“Maximum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/maximum. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

maximum

noun
max·​i·​mum ˈmak-s(ə-)məm How to pronounce maximum (audio)
plural maxima -sə-mə How to pronounce maximum (audio) 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 How to pronounce maximum (audio)
plural maxima -sə-mə How to pronounce maximum (audio) 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

More from Merriam-Webster on maximum

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