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

Bill Zito hasn’t talked to Aleksander Barkov since the Florida Panthers’ underwent surgery on Friday to repair the ACL and MCL in his right knee and will sideline him at minimum for between seven and nine months. —Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 27 Sep. 2025

Unlike a political event where attendance can be limited to supporters or tightly controlled to make sure that obvious dissent is at a minimum, sporting events are wild and unpredictable environments. —Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 2025

Strongest winds expected over the northern Sacramento Valley west of Interstate 5 and humidity daytime minimum humidities of 10 to 15 percent. —Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 26 Sep. 2025

An entry-level sheet set from the brand will run you a minimum of $500 with the priciest shams ringing in at a cool $5,000. —Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 26 Sep. 2025

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