maximum

noun

max·​i·​mum ˈmak-s(ə-)məm 

plural maxima ˈmak-sə-mə  or maximums ˈmak-s(ə-)məmz 

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

Synonyms

• max
• most
• outside

Examples of maximum in a Sentence

achieved the maximum

Recent Examples on the Web

Let the solution sit for a maximum of 20 minutes before scrubbing the bowl with a nylon brush or your toilet brush. —Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 25 Apr. 2025

Parents could claim a tax break of up to 2,500 Australian dollars ($1,600) a year, each year for a maximum of five years—this number has since risen. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025

Read could face a maximum of life in prison if convicted of the top charge, second-degree murder. —Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2025

The exciting new attraction, opening to the public on April 25, lifts a maximum of four riders on a seated zipline, reaching a height of 100 feet in the air. —Dominick Williams, Kansas City Star, 24 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin, neuter of maximus biggest — more at maxim

First Known Use

1663, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing maximum

• maximum likelihood
• maximum occupancy
• maximum security prison

Kids Definition

maximum

noun

max·​i·​mum ˈmak-s(ə-)məm 

plural maxima -sə-mə  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 

plural maxima -sə-mə  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