mini

1 of 3

noun

ˈmi-nē 

plural minis

: something small of its kind: such as

a

: minicar

b

: miniskirt

c

: minicomputer

mini

2 of 3

adjective

1

: small in relation to others of the same kind

2

: of short length or duration : brief

mini-

3 of 3

combining form

: smaller or briefer than usual, normal, or standard

minicourse

minibus

Examples of mini in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

At the centimeter scale, researchers controlled mini-boats using audible frequencies to activate individual cavities for steering and navigation. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 17 Aug. 2026

Channel your inner supermodel and slip into H&M’s lace-trimmed, ’90s-minimalist mini. — Laura Jackson, Vogue, 17 Aug. 2026

Adjective

No worries—per this Copenhagen Fashion Week darling, longline nighties are just as trendy as their mini counterparts. — Laura Jackson, Vogue, 17 Aug. 2026

For dessert, enjoy an assortment of chocolate truffles, mini lemon pie and mini tiramisu. — Laura Ness, Mercury News, 16 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

mini-

Combining form

miniature

First Known Use

Noun

1960, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1963, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing mini

• mini-mart
• mini-pill
• mini-stroke

Rhymes for mini

• finny
• ginny
• jinny
• minnie
• ninny
• pinnae
• skinny
• spinney
• spline
• swinney
• tinny
• whinny

Kids Definition

mini

1 of 2 noun

ˈmin-ē

: something small of its kind: as

a

: miniskirt

b

: minicomputer

mini-

2 of 2 combining form

: very small or short : miniature

minibike

miniskirt

Etymology

Combining form

derived by shortening from miniature