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

In the Rising Stars mini-tournament, Team A will face Team B in the first semifinal and Team C will play Team D in the second semifinal. —Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 31 Jan. 2026

In 2018, it was purchased by South Florida developer Michael Dezer, who created Dezerland Park with go-karts, arcade, bowling, restaurants, indoor mini golf and Orlando Auto Museum. —Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Jan. 2026

Adjective

The mini-lab movies reveal how Conceptual art, scientific experimentation, and spiritual inquiry share a common grammar for transforming absence into presence. —Shannon Taggart, Artforum, 1 Feb. 2026

This mini set covers the basics with a hand cream packed with almond oil and shea butter, plus a moisture lip balm to keep your skin from feeling tight halfway through your layover. —Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 1 Feb. 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
• swinney
• tinny
• whinny
• winnie

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