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

An Independence man is being held with $200,000 bond after he was accused of driving up to 105 mph in a police chase and swinging a box cutter and bag of mini-donuts at officers. — Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 13 July 2026

Wood floor lamps, black-and-white bathroom tile, and vintage touches such as Victrola Bluetooth speakers and Magic Chef mini fridges complete the atmosphere while offering all of today’s conveniences. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 July 2026

Adjective

The jacket stayed open to reveal the lingerie construction, while the label’s pink mini shorts in silk habutai barely cleared the hem. — Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 19 July 2026

Tristan tried a waffle cone stuffed with Buckeye (peanut butter base, chocolate swirls, mini peanut butter cups) plus a brownie sundae big enough to split. — Melissa Oyler, Charlotte Observer, 18 July 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