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 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

If convicted, Calvert faces a mandatory minimum of five years in prison and a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, according to the DOJ. —Alexander Mallin, ABC News, 10 Apr. 2024

The man was identified as 55-year-old Jeffrey Sahl Ferris, who faced a minimum of seven years in prison and a maximum of a life sentence, the AP reported. —Chacour Koop, Kansas City Star, 10 Apr. 2024

The settlement agreement says that each valid claim will have a minimum of $15, plus $1 for every month of service as a Verizon customer and paid the administration fee. —The Arizona Republic, 10 Apr. 2024

The parents of three usually keep royal engagements to a minimum to spend time with their children during school vacations. —Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 10 Apr. 2024

Aid officials say the enclave needs 500 trucks a day, at minimum, to stave off widespread starvation. —Rachel pannett, Washington Post, 8 Apr. 2024

Its goal is for a minimum of 25 percent of its guides to be women by 2030. —Jesse Ashlock, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Apr. 2024

Ingredients are kept to a minimum, focusing strongly on science and function, not fluff. —Cbd Scout, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024

The second is in-app purchases: people buy coins for about $0.02 each (the minimum buy is 65 coins at a time). —John Koetsier, Forbes, 30 Mar. 2024

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