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

Historically, some of the biggest geomagnetic storms—like the one on Halloween in 2003—have occurred just after the maximum passed. —Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 June 2024

Theoretically, cleaving the company’s interest in promoting concerts and filling venues from its interest in extracting the maximum in junk fees from powerless customers would do much to foster competition in the ticketing business. —Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2024

Melody Johnson could have faced a maximum of 2 years in prison for each count. —Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 15 May 2024

Public Eye found that employees at Shein suppliers were working more than 75 hours a week and sometimes for seven days straight—directly violating the company’s code of conduct for suppliers that says employees can work a maximum of 60 hours a week and have at least one day off. —Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 13 May 2024

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