plural maximums or technical maxima
-əmə 
: the highest number or amount that is possible or allowed
—usually singular
Twenty years is the maximum.
This security system gives you the maximum in protection.
—often + ofYou may invite a maximum of 10 guests to the party.
You may stay for a maximum of two weeks.
She will serve a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 20 years in jail.
always used before a noun
: greatest possible in amount or degree
He will receive the maximum (possible) punishment allowed by law.
She took some maximum-strength medicine for her headache.
The maximum number of points scored in one game is 100.
shoes that are designed for maximum comfort
What is the maximum occupancy of this room? [=what is the largest number of people who can legally be in this room at the same time?]
a maximum security prison [=a prison that does as much as possible to keep prisoners from escaping and watches them very closely]
: at the most
She will serve 20 years maximum in jail. [=she will not serve more than 20 years in jail]
Cite this Entry
“Maximum.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/maximum. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
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