minimum

noun

min·​i·​mum ˈmi-nə-məm How to pronounce minimum (audio)
plural minima ˈmi-nə-mə How to pronounce minimum (audio) or minimums
1
: the least quantity assignable, admissible, or possible
Keep expenses to a bare minimum.
He was sentenced to a minimum of 10 years in prison.
2
: the least of a set of numbers
specifically : the smallest value assumed by a continuous (see continuous sense 2) function defined on a closed (see closed sense 3b) interval
3
a
: the lowest degree or amount of variation (as of temperature) reached or recorded
b
: the lowest speed allowed on a highway
minimum adjective

Examples of minimum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Shoot for a minimum of four hours of sunlight each day for the best display. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 5 Sep. 2025 Everyone Lee comes into contact with is at minimum annoyed with him most of the time, if not outright hating him. Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 4 Sep. 2025 Despite having what one assumes is the pick of the litter with A-list celebrities willing to lend their insights on McCartney, Wings and the Beatles, Neville wisely chooses to keep the outside voices to a minimum. Caleb Hammond, IndieWire, 4 Sep. 2025 Cities also have lot size minimums constricting the number of homes that can be built, speakers said. Arkansas Online, 4 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for minimum

Word History

Etymology

Latin, neuter of minimus smallest; akin to Latin minor smaller — more at minor

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of minimum was in 1646

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Minimum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/minimum. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

minimum

noun
min·​i·​mum ˈmin-ə-məm How to pronounce minimum (audio)
plural minima -ə-mə How to pronounce minimum (audio) or minimums
1
: the least quantity possible or allowable
2
: the lowest degree or amount reached or recorded
minimum adjective

Medical Definition

minimum

1 of 2 noun
min·​i·​mum ˈmin-ə-məm How to pronounce minimum (audio)
plural minima -ə-mə How to pronounce minimum (audio) or minimums
1
: the least quantity assignable, admissible, or possible
2
: the lowest degree or amount of variation (as of temperature) reached or recorded

minimum

2 of 2 adjective
: of, relating to, or constituting a minimum
meet the minimum psychiatric needs of the countryE. A. Strecker
establishing minimum standards for medical educationCIBA Symposia

More from Merriam-Webster on minimum

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