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

Gomez opted for an asymmetric neck black mini-dress, with a sculptural, off-the-shoulder neckline and one dainty spaghetti strap. —Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 14 Dec. 2025

This duo features a full-size and a mini, travel-friendly bottle of the brand’s most popular EDP, which rocks notes of fresh orange blossom, sugary vanilla, and delectable marshmallow. —Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 14 Dec. 2025

Adjective

This time around, there will be three training sessions in Adelaide on the back of a mini getaway in Noosa, on southern Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, where England spent plenty of time on the beach and, of course, managed to fit in a game of golf or two. —Tim Spiers, New York Times, 14 Dec. 2025

These mini boots are easy to slip on for dog walks and grocery runs, and look adorable paired with jeans, activewear, and more. —Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 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