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

Using the average daily temperatures, the model showed the underground temperature was around the thermal maximum for snakes — around 104 degrees Fahrenheit. —John Leos, AZCentral.com, 3 Sep. 2025

However, each customer is limited to purchasing a maximum of one of each set. —Julia Gomez, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025

Plans must have an out-of-pocket maximum. —Diane Omdahl, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025

Claiming at 62 reduces the maximum to $2,831, while delaying until 70 raises it to $5,108. —Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Sep. 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