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

How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Apr. 2026

Then commandos used mini-helicopters to reach the mountains, extract the weapons officer, and fly him back to the airfield. —The Week Uk, TheWeek, 11 Apr. 2026

Adjective

But another way to put that is that the Jackson 5, led by Michael and his mini James Brown moves and unprecedented soprano soul virtuosity (no child in history has sung with that adult phrasing), are going to be his meal ticket. —Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 21 Apr. 2026

The collection includes a shell tank, a mini dress, a barrel-leg jumpsuit, utility barrel jeans and super wide-leg jeans. —Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 21 Apr. 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