minimum

noun

min·​i·​mum ˈmi-nə-məm 

plural minima ˈmi-nə-mə  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

It was transformed into the seven-room Eleven Rio Palena Lodge, an upscale 45-acre hideaway with a wraparound terrace overlooking the Palena River, where double rooms are bookable from $4,092 per night, and private buyouts will cost you $29,730 per night, with a three or four-night stay minimum. —Lane Nieset, Travel + Leisure, 26 Dec. 2025

Balance transfer fee Balance transfer fee applies with this offer 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum. —Jasmin Suknanan, CNBC, 26 Dec. 2025

Dulcich, who was promoted up the practice squad, was signed to the NFL minimum, and will likely push to join a franchise that believes in him. —Miami Herald, 25 Dec. 2025

Eligible users will receive a minimum of $2, with most receiving automatic payments. —Alex Perry, Cincinnati Enquirer, 25 Dec. 2025

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

Phrases Containing minimum

• alternative minimum tax
• at a/the minimum
• minimum security prison
• minimum wage
• sub-minimum
• to a (bare) minimum

Kids Definition

minimum

noun

min·​i·​mum ˈmin-ə-məm 

plural minima -ə-mə  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 

plural minima -ə-mə  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 country

—E. A. Strecker

establishing minimum standards for medical education

—CIBA Symposia