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
• utmost

Examples of maximum in a Sentence

achieved the maximum

Recent Examples on the Web

Names can have a maximum of two first names and four surnames. —Laura Sharman, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2025

For example, the tech company Intel has an enrollment period twice a year, where employees buy stock up to 15% of their salary at a 15% discount—or a maximum of $21,250 a year. —Jessica Coacci, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2025

If convicted, James faces a maximum of 30 years in prison on each count and a fine of up to $1 million — penalties heightened by Congress during the 1990s savings and loan crisis. —Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 13 Oct. 2025

Claiming at full retirement age, which is 67, increases the potential maximum to $4,018. —Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 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