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

The ceremony resembled a mini-State of the Union as the beaming governor was escorted down the Assembly’s center aisle to the Speaker’s rostrum, shaking hands with delighted legislators crowding into camera range. —George Skelton, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2026

The song, featured in the series’ second and fourth seasons, is the first top 10 on the charts for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame band, which split in 1984 (ahead of multiple mini-reunions). —Gary Trust, Billboard, 12 Jan. 2026

Adjective

Inside, the atmosphere was celebratory as the crowd enjoyed Champagne and very British mini sandwiches and scones. —Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 11 Jan. 2026

In-room, all the bathroom amenities are zero carbon with refillable products rather than mini disposables in the shower, and drinking water is supplied in glass bottles rather than plastic. —Cassie Doney, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Jan. 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