mini

1 of 3

noun

ˈmi-nē 

plural minis

: something small of its kind: such as

a

: minicar

b

: miniskirt

c

: minicomputer

mini

2 of 3

adjective

1

: small in relation to others of the same kind

2

: of short length or duration : brief

mini-

3 of 3

combining form

: smaller or briefer than usual, normal, or standard

minicourse

minibus

Examples of mini in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

If there have been too many mini-resets for the comfort of the supporters, a strength of Howe’s Newcastle has been absorbing lessons and responding, at least some of the time. —George Caulkin, New York Times, 20 Mar. 2026

There’s no lunch or dinner restaurant here, but there is a small but affordable mini bar with organic wine, beer, kombucha, and sweet and salty snacks. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Mar. 2026

Adjective

The model stepped out for dinner at The Bird Street Club in West Hollywood in a pair of mini bootcut jeans, a style that sits close to the thigh and falls into an extremely subtle kick flare. —Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 22 Mar. 2026

Each camp ends with a showcase performance and a mini art show. —Jessie Dax-Setkus, Oc Register, 22 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

mini-

Combining form

miniature

First Known Use

Noun

1960, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1963, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing mini

• mini-mart
• mini-pill
• mini-stroke

Rhymes for mini

• finny
• ginny
• jinny
• minnie
• ninny
• pinnae
• skinny
• spinney
• swinney
• tinny
• whinny
• winnie

Kids Definition

mini

1 of 2 noun

ˈmin-ē

: something small of its kind: as

a

: miniskirt

b

: minicomputer

mini-

2 of 2 combining form

: very small or short : miniature

minibike

miniskirt

Etymology

Combining form

derived by shortening from miniature