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

An intro balance transfer fee of 3% of the amount transferred ($5 minimum) applies for the first four months from opening the account (after that, the balance transfer fee increases to 5% with a $5 minimum). — Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026

Cryptographers responded by lengthening the keys, and 2,048 bits is now considered the minimum. — Chris Stokel-Walker, Scientific American, 15 Oct. 2026

And because an undyed fabric can become any wash, Triarchy no longer has to commit to color months in advance, and fabric minimums no longer dictate the amount of product a brand must make. — Jennifer Bringle, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026

Microplastics are usually defined as particles smaller than five millimeters, while the minimum cutoff varies between 100 and 1,000 nanometers. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 15 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