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

If the measure is approved by city commissioners, police officers could receive a maximum of $250 in bonuses per shift for stops in Worthington Hills, a 0.3-square-mile city of about 1,500 residents off Westport Road that does not have its own police department. —Josh Wood, The Courier-Journal, 15 July 2025

The tavern will be open to all ages, seatings will be limited to 45 minutes, and adults 21-and-up can enjoy a maximum of two alcoholic beverages. —Megan Dubois, Southern Living, 14 July 2025

Teams are allowed a maximum of three two-way contracts, with guard Dru Smith currently with a Heat qualifying offer in restricted free agency for such a deal. —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 14 July 2025

Each owner of a trust account is covered up to $250,000 per beneficiary, to a maximum of $1.25 million for five or more beneficiaries. —Liz Weston, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 July 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