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

Trip delay Trip delays of five hours or more qualify for reimbursement of up to $200 per day, with a $2,000 maximum. —Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 1 June 2025

The rules also limit junior college transfers to a maximum of three years of D-I sports. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 28 May 2025

Walk Japan’s Nakasendo Way is a small-group tour with a maximum of 12 participants and no minimum. —Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 27 May 2025

Officials responded to the setback by capping the number of arrivals and departures to a maximum of 56 per hour, which will now remain in effect until at least mid-June. —Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 22 May 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