maximum

noun

max·​i·​mum ˈmak-s(ə-)məm 

plural maxima ˈmak-sə-mə  or maximums ˈmak-s(ə-)məmz 

1

a

: the greatest quantity or value attainable or attained

b

: the period of highest, greatest, or utmost development

2

: an upper limit allowed (as by a legal authority) or allowable (as by the circumstances of a particular case)

3

: the largest of a set of numbers

specifically : the largest value assumed by a real-valued continuous function defined on a closed interval

maximum adjective

Synonyms of maximum

• max
• most
• utmost

Examples of maximum in a Sentence

achieved the maximum

Recent Examples on the Web

The maximum of five years also includes a maximum of 15 percent of a team’s overall cap space and the six-year limit comes with a salary maximum of 16 percent of the club’s cap. — Jim Bowden, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is expected to release more key information in mid-to-late September on how the subsidy expiration will affect premiums, out-of-pocket maximums and cost-sharing. — Michelle Marchante september 15, Miami Herald, 15 Sep. 2026

The free-breathing flat-six at the back of the 911 GT3 S/C makes 502 hp and delivers a maximum of 331 ft lbs of torque. — Tim Stevens, Robb Report, 14 Sep. 2026

Each charge carried a potential maximum of a nine-month jail sentence and $10,000 fine. — ABC News, 10 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin, neuter of maximus biggest — more at maxim

First Known Use

1663, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing maximum

• maximum likelihood
• maximum occupancy
• maximum security prison

Kids Definition

maximum

noun

max·​i·​mum ˈmak-s(ə-)məm 

plural maxima -sə-mə  or maximums

1

: the highest quantity, value, or development

2

: an upper limit allowed

maximum adjective

Medical Definition

maximum

noun

max·​i·​mum ˈmak-s(ə-)məm 

plural maxima -sə-mə  or maximums

1

a

: the greatest quantity or value attainable or attained

b

: the period of highest, greatest, or utmost development

2

: an upper limit allowed (as by a legal authority) or allowable (as by the circumstances of a particular case)

maximum adjective