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
• utmost

Examples of maximum in a Sentence

achieved the maximum

Recent Examples on the Web

The anticipated number of shifts is three with a maximum of eight employees per shift. —Claudia Levens, jsonline.com, 30 July 2025

Currently, borrowers can receive economic hardship and unemployment deferments for up to three years and general forbearances for a maximum of 12 months at a time. —Kamaron McNair, CNBC, 28 July 2025

Hens and rabbits can be kept in enclosures 100 feet from neighboring buildings, for a maximum of 15 chickens or 10 rabbits. —Bella Waters, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2025

Magnetic activity on the sun is currently at a 23-year high because it’s reached solar maximum — the height of our star’s 11-year solar cycle. —Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025

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