maxim

noun

max·​im ˈmak-səm 

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"

Synonyms

• adage
• aphorism
• apothegm
• byword
• epigram
• proverb
• saw
• saying
• sententia
• word

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

Is there one particular maxim or comment that’s your favorite? —Mark Holgate, Vogue, 15 Apr. 2025

Senior leaders can keep certain maxims in mind to shape a constructive message that’s both insightful and impactful. —Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025

Wishbone Kitchen’s House Rules Here are the maxims Hayden lives by to make her home feel cozy and personal—while still preserving her peace and her space. —Jenny Comita, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Mar. 2025

Many corporate leaders still adhere to Milton Friedman’s maxim that the primary purpose of a company is to maximize shareholder returns. —Roger Dooley, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025

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

Rhymes for maxim

• cefotaxime

Kids Definition

maxim

noun

max·​im ˌmak-səm 

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 

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