minimum

noun

min·​i·​mum ˈmi-nə-məm 

plural minima ˈmi-nə-mə  or minimums

1

: the least quantity assignable, admissible, or possible

Keep expenses to a bare minimum.

He was sentenced to a minimum of 10 years in prison.

2

: the least of a set of numbers

specifically : the smallest value assumed by a continuous (see continuous sense 2) function defined on a closed (see closed entry 1 sense 3b) interval

3

a

: the lowest degree or amount of variation (as of temperature) reached or recorded

b

: the lowest speed allowed on a highway

minimum adjective

Examples of minimum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Under the state’s Live Local Act, at least 40% of the 1,981 residential units, or 793 units, must be rented to households making no more than 120% of the county’s area median income for a minimum of 30 years. — Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 22 Oct. 2026

On ticket resale sites, the cheapest seats are going for a minimum of about $1,000 on Thursday afternoon, which might be too steep for Johnson. — Sara Tenenbaum, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026

If convicted, the charges bring a statutory maximum of life in prison and a minimum of 10 years. — Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2026

Its Business Checking account has no monthly fee or minimum opening deposit, includes 50 transactions and offers Treasury Management services. — Andreina Rodriguez, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin, neuter of minimus smallest; akin to Latin minor smaller — more at minor

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing minimum

• alternative minimum tax
• at a/the minimum
• minimum security prison
• minimum wage
• sub-minimum
• to a (bare) minimum

Kids Definition

minimum

noun

min·​i·​mum ˈmin-ə-məm 

plural minima -ə-mə  or minimums

1

: the least quantity possible or allowable

2

: the lowest degree or amount reached or recorded

minimum adjective

Medical Definition

minimum

1 of 2 noun

min·​i·​mum ˈmin-ə-məm 

plural minima -ə-mə  or minimums

1

: the least quantity assignable, admissible, or possible

2

: the lowest degree or amount of variation (as of temperature) reached or recorded

minimum

2 of 2 adjective

: of, relating to, or constituting a minimum

meet the minimum psychiatric needs of the country

—E. A. Strecker

establishing minimum standards for medical education

—CIBA Symposia