maximum

noun

max·​i·​mum ˈmak-s(ə-)məm How to pronounce maximum (audio)
plural maxima ˈmak-sə-mə How to pronounce maximum (audio) or maximums ˈmak-s(ə-)məmz How to pronounce maximum (audio)
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

Examples of maximum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Both parents will be sentenced later and face a maximum of 15 years in prison. Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 14 Mar. 2024 Meisner, Renner and Vigil face a maximum of life in prison because juveniles in Arizona cannot be sentenced to death. Robert Anglen, The Arizona Republic, 10 Mar. 2024 Each person can secure a maximum of two, non-transferable tickets. Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2024 The Charger Daytona Scat Pack will be the top performance version, at least initially, with a maximum of 670 horsepower. Peter Valdes-Dapena, CNN, 5 Mar. 2024 With Mills replacing Smith, the Heat remains at the 15-player maximum for standard contracts. Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 5 Mar. 2024 Families have until noon Monday to apply for up to six tickets, which includes a maximum of two adults. Mark Jenkins, Washington Post, 29 Feb. 2024 He is being held in state custody and faces a maximum of 10 years in prison if convicted, according to the U.S. attorney’s office. Marissa Parra, NBC News, 25 Feb. 2024 The cap is 7 percent plus the inflation rate in Oregon and 5 percent plus inflation in California; both states set a maximum of 10 percent. David W. Chen, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'maximum.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin, neuter of maximus biggest — more at maxim

First Known Use

1663, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of maximum was in 1663

Dictionary Entries Near maximum

Cite this Entry

“Maximum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/maximum. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

maximum

noun
max·​i·​mum ˈmak-s(ə-)məm How to pronounce maximum (audio)
plural maxima -sə-mə How to pronounce maximum (audio) 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 How to pronounce maximum (audio)
plural maxima -sə-mə How to pronounce maximum (audio) 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

More from Merriam-Webster on maximum

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