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 of maximum

• max
• most
• utmost

Examples of maximum in a Sentence

achieved the maximum

Recent Examples on the Web

On the night before the peak (December 12-13), rates are about half as many compared to the maximum. —Joe Rao, Space.com, 7 Dec. 2025

You're not required to deposit the full $100 — Sleeper will match any first deposit up to that maximum. —Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2025

Carvajal was charged with participating in a narco-terrorism conspiracy, carrying a mandatory minimum of 20 years and a maximum of life in prison. —Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 Dec. 2025

But something was missing after agreeing to a contract extension worth a maximum of $265 million and then being sidelined for eight games with turf toe. —Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 3 Dec. 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