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

The other piece of furniture in the room is the mini-bar in the corner, which comes with a bright-red Smeg mini fridge. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Mar. 2026

But a new modeling study shows mini-lightning can be created and studied inside a small block of plastic. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 6 Mar. 2026

Adjective

Crafted from 100 percent cotton, this soft mini dress features an eyelet hem that is perfect for spring. —Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2026

Declutter Every week, Elena Navarro, cleaning expert and professional organizer at Sparkly Maid Austin in Austin, Texas, does a mini purge, dealing with any unnecessary visual clutter, such as paper and mail piles. —Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 8 Mar. 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