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

Each Smart Tag acts as a key for specific reactions and sounds, and these can also unlock mini-games with missions and goals. —New Atlas, 6 Jan. 2026

The performer wore a LBD mini to meet fans like Ally Brooke, who caught one of Lopez’s latest shows. —Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 5 Jan. 2026

Adjective

Heat-wise, this honey is fairly bold—like a mini firework show for your tastebuds. —Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 4 Jan. 2026

North paired the chunky, diamond chain with an oversized Balenciaga jersey, pleated mini skirt, tights and a pair of fuzzy boots. —Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 4 Jan. 2026

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