minimum

noun

min·​i·​mum ˈmi-nə-məm 

plural minima ˈmi-nə-mə  or minimums

1

: the least quantity assignable, admissible, or possible

Keep expenses to a bare minimum.

He was sentenced to a minimum of 10 years in prison.

2

: the least of a set of numbers

specifically : the smallest value assumed by a continuous (see continuous sense 2) function defined on a closed (see closed sense 3b) interval

3

a

: the lowest degree or amount of variation (as of temperature) reached or recorded

b

: the lowest speed allowed on a highway

minimum adjective

Examples of minimum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Under the terms of his plea agreement with prosecutors, Sanfratello will serve a minimum of 10 years in prison. —Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 22 Apr. 2026

Sanfratello pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter in Josephine County Circuit Court and will serve a minimum of 10 years, per the release. —Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 22 Apr. 2026

Note there’s typically a minimum stay required (for example, two nights at the Four Seasons Boston) and blackout dates apply. —Hannah Chubb, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Apr. 2026

Consider this for date night or your next wedding, keeping accessories to a minimum for maximum impact. —Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 21 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin, neuter of minimus smallest; akin to Latin minor smaller — more at minor

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing minimum

• alternative minimum tax
• at a/the minimum
• minimum security prison
• minimum wage
• sub-minimum
• to a (bare) minimum

Kids Definition

minimum

noun

min·​i·​mum ˈmin-ə-məm 

plural minima -ə-mə  or minimums

1

: the least quantity possible or allowable

2

: the lowest degree or amount reached or recorded

minimum adjective

Medical Definition

minimum

1 of 2 noun

min·​i·​mum ˈmin-ə-məm 

plural minima -ə-mə  or minimums

1

: the least quantity assignable, admissible, or possible

2

: the lowest degree or amount of variation (as of temperature) reached or recorded

minimum

2 of 2 adjective

: of, relating to, or constituting a minimum

meet the minimum psychiatric needs of the country

—E. A. Strecker

establishing minimum standards for medical education

—CIBA Symposia