mini

1 of 3

noun

ˈmi-nē How to pronounce mini (audio)
plural minis
Synonyms of mininext
: something small of its kind: such as
a
: minicar
b
: miniskirt
c
: minicomputer

mini

2 of 3

adjective

1
: small in relation to others of the same kind
2
: of short length or duration : brief

mini-

3 of 3

combining form

: smaller or briefer than usual, normal, or standard
minicourse
minibus

Examples of mini in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
For the party, EJAE changed into a custom Zac Posen chiffon dress and, later in the night, a shimmery Milla Nova mini dress for dancing. — Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 20 Oct. 2026 Then stock mini toiletries so guests do not have to dig through drawers. — Lauren Schuster, Kansas City Star, 19 Oct. 2026
Adjective
The mini Wishbone is one recent example of adult favorites being remade for a younger (and smaller) customer, a practice that goes back decades but has gained fresh attention in recent years. — Steven Weill, Architectural Digest, 22 Oct. 2026 Chinese researchers from Tsinghua University and the Chinese PLA Medical School have developed Airscope, the world’s lightest wearable mini-brain monitor (mesoscope). — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mini

Word History

Etymology

Noun

mini-

Combining form

miniature

First Known Use

Noun

1960, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1963, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of mini was in 1960

Phrases Containing mini

Rhymes for mini

See All Rhymes for mini

Browse Nearby Words

minhah
mini
mini-
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mini.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mini. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

mini

1 of 2 noun
ˈmin-ē
: something small of its kind: as
a
: miniskirt
b
: minicomputer

mini-

2 of 2 combining form
: very small or short : miniature
minibike
miniskirt
Etymology

Combining form

derived by shortening from miniature

More from Merriam-Webster on mini

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for mini

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