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.
For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the 2025 maximum is $967 for individuals and $1,450 for couples, though payments may be lower based on income, living situation, and other eligibility factors. Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025 The rules of the sport dictate that teams can carry a maximum of 14 pitchers on their active 26-man roster. Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 1 May 2025 Before the Affordable Care Act (ACA), medical claims rarely exceeded $1 million because lifetime maximums were common practice in the industry, and insurers would stop paying at a certain amount (often $1 million to $2 million). Mehb Khoja, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025 The upside maximum is capped out at $17.85 or $1,785 per one lot spread, $20 call spread minus the cost of the spread ($2.15). Jeff Kilburg, CNBC, 25 Apr. 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 20 May. 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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