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

Looking for a free mini puzzle? —Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 29 Sep. 2025

Travel sizes or mini sets make for inexpensive options that still feel intentional. —Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Sep. 2025

Adjective

Rather than doing the whole toothbrush-and-toothpaste routine, these mini brushes are great for freshening up on the plane—even at your seat. —Carin Ryan, Travel + Leisure, 4 Oct. 2025

Sánchez, opted for a silver metallic mini dress with subtle boning paired with large black sunglasses and silver drop earrings. —Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 4 Oct. 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