maxim

noun

max·​im ˈmak-səm How to pronounce maxim (audio)
1
: a general truth, fundamental principle, or rule of conduct
Mother's favorite maxim was "Don't count your chickens before they hatch."
2
: a proverbial saying
advised her daughter with the maxim "marry in haste, repent at leisure"

Examples of maxim in a Sentence

it's a common maxim that “a watched pot never boils,” but that's not literally true
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That violates another maxim commonly taught in families, schools and religious venues everywhere: Those who can should help those in need. Chicago Tribune, 16 May 2025 At a place as small as McCabe’s — smaller, even, by far than the El Rey, where Burnett last officially played in 2006 — a statement like that could count as more than just a passing maxim. Chris Willman, Variety, 13 May 2025 War is hell — and Warfare does its damnedest to honor that old maxim. Randall Colburn, EW.com, 19 Apr. 2025 Here, 20 Forbes Coaches Council members share some essential maxims for senior leaders to follow when offering feedback to direct reports, along with why these principles are so useful for providing guidance to build strong, high-performing teams. 1. Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for maxim

Word History

Etymology

Middle English maxime, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin maxima, from Latin, feminine of maximus, superlative of magnus large — more at much

First Known Use

1567, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of maxim was in 1567

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Cite this Entry

“Maxim.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/maxim. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

maxim

noun
max·​im ˌmak-səm How to pronounce maxim (audio)
1
: a general truth or rule of conduct
2
: a proverbial saying

Biographical Definition

Maxim 1 of 2

biographical name (1)

Max·​im ˈmak-səm How to pronounce Maxim (audio)
Sir Hiram Stevens 1840–1916 British (American-born) inventor

Maxim

2 of 2

biographical name (2)

Hudson 1853–1927 brother of Hiram Maxim American inventor

More from Merriam-Webster on maxim

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