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

Both Geyser and Weier were found not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect and were sentenced to a maximum of 25 to 40 years in a psychiatric facility. —Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 25 Nov. 2025

With a 'first bet safety net' promotion, if your qualifying bet loses, bet365 may refund your initial stake as bonus bets, up to a specified maximum. —Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Nov. 2025

The Child Tax Credit, for instance, was increased from a maximum of $2,000 to around $2,200 per qualifying child, although a large portion of this money is provided through refunds, limiting the benefit for low-income families. —Lauren Hilgers, Harpers Magazine, 23 Nov. 2025

If convicted on the first five counts alone, Turner could face a minimum of 75 years in federal prison and a maximum of 150 years behind bars. —Tara Lynch, CBS News, 22 Nov. 2025

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