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.
Think of it as an acronym with digestible actionable items: T — take breaks often, A — actively engage in just one task at hand, K — keep distractions to a minimum, E — eliminate multitasking and F — take five minutes to refocus by having a mini workout, doing mindfulness or a fun activity. Vicki Salemi, Boston Herald, 7 July 2025 But considering tariffs on Vietnam were set to rise to a minimum of 46% if the rates Trump announced in April held — which was among the highest Trump announced — 20% suddenly feels like a relief. Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 6 July 2025 Well, put it this way, at the bare minimum, any of these power stations are going to last you a decade or more (barring any misfortunes, of course). Joe Salas july 04, New Atlas, 4 July 2025 This amounts to a minimum of $263,177 (€223,380) going to FC Barcelona for their 17 representatives. Asif Burhan, Forbes.com, 4 July 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 13 Jul. 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

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