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

• proverb
• saying
• word
• motto
• adage

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

La Fontaine’s focus on animals and penchant for moral maxims must have immediately attracted her. —Susan Gubar june 9, Literary Hub, 9 June 2025

For all the screenwriting manuals and maxims that insist on character goals and motivations and missions and all those things we’re supposed to have in real life too, there can be something riveting about a character with no plan at all. —Guy Lodge, Variety, 15 Feb. 2025

This is the sort of thing that young people think will never happen to them, but remember the maxim: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. —Marla Jo Fisher, Oc Register, 4 June 2025

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

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