maximum

noun

max·​i·​mum ˈmak-s(ə-)məm How to pronounce maximum (audio)
plural maxima ˈmak-sə-mə How to pronounce maximum (audio) or maximums ˈmak-s(ə-)məmz How to pronounce maximum (audio)
1
a
: the greatest quantity or value attainable or attained
b
: the period of highest, greatest, or utmost development
2
: an upper limit allowed (as by a legal authority) or allowable (as by the circumstances of a particular case)
3
: the largest of a set of numbers
specifically : the largest value assumed by a real-valued continuous function defined on a closed interval
maximum adjective

Examples of maximum in a Sentence

achieved the maximum
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.
The trade-in prices range from a maximum of £675 ($920.50) for the base Pixel 9, £820 ($1118.24) for the Pixel 9 Pro / XL and £1,045 ($1425.07) for the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Janhoi McGregor, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025 At the time, the Clermont City Council approved a zoning change from M-1 industrial to PUD, or Planned Unit Development, allowing the Heritage Square project to move forward with master plans calling for up to six buildings and a maximum of 60,000 square feet of space. James Wilkins, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 June 2025 For those who delay claiming until age 70, the monthly benefit rises to a maximum of $5,108. Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025 All the more reason to dial up the economic and diplomatic pressure on Russia to the absolute maximum. Andreas Kluth, Mercury News, 19 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for maximum

Word History

Etymology

Latin, neuter of maximus biggest — more at maxim

First Known Use

1663, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of maximum was in 1663

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Maximum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/maximum. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

maximum

noun
max·​i·​mum ˈmak-s(ə-)məm How to pronounce maximum (audio)
plural maxima -sə-mə How to pronounce maximum (audio) or maximums
1
: the highest quantity, value, or development
2
: an upper limit allowed
maximum adjective

Medical Definition

maximum

noun
max·​i·​mum ˈmak-s(ə-)məm How to pronounce maximum (audio)
plural maxima -sə-mə How to pronounce maximum (audio) or maximums
1
a
: the greatest quantity or value attainable or attained
b
: the period of highest, greatest, or utmost development
2
: an upper limit allowed (as by a legal authority) or allowable (as by the circumstances of a particular case)
maximum adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on maximum

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