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

With a brief mini-break in the rearview mirror, the Charlotte Hornets got back to action Thursday night, taking on one of their nemeses in the Southeast Division. —Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 19 Dec. 2025

To me, a well-rounded closet would have a plain or pleated mini, a flouncy midi, a silky slip skirt (either midi or maxi), a pencil skirt (preferably leather), and a denim skirt. —Kelsey Stiegman, Glamour, 19 Dec. 2025

Adjective

For instance, the Local Passport Family — an active blog from a traveling family of six — recommends taking a mini sound machine, a travel bed for infants, a luggage strap, buildings toys like Legos and other items. —Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 21 Dec. 2025

The mini sizes are as cute as can be and will surely be on heavy rotation this season. —Jennifer Chan, PEOPLE, 20 Dec. 2025

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