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

Dogs are welcome for a nonrefundable fee of $75, with a maximum of two dogs per room and a weight limit of 80 pounds per dog. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026

In mixed-use neighborhood zones, density limits could rise from a maximum of 30 units per acre to between 20 and 50 units per acre, with building heights allowed up to five stories. — Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 15 Aug. 2026

Extended Stay America allows a maximum of two pets per suite, each no longer than 36 inches and no taller than 36 inches. — Ashley Lynch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Aug. 2026

Teams are allowed to carry a maximum of 21 players during the offseason. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 14 Aug. 2026

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