minimum

noun

min·​i·​mum ˈmi-nə-məm How to pronounce minimum (audio)
plural minima ˈmi-nə-mə How to pronounce minimum (audio) or minimums
Synonyms of minimum
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
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.
If the ball eluded Schmitt, Colorado would score, at the minimum, two more runs. — Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 4 July 2026 Panama dropped into a back six at times in the first half, keeping Croatian chances to a minimum while posing a threat on the break. — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 5 July 2026 Colorado regulators who recently began a formal rulemaking process had suggested a state-level minimum of three hours of nursing care per resident. — Bruce Finley, Denver Post, 5 July 2026 No minimum to open a Fidelity Go® account, but minimum $10 balance for robo-advisor to start investing. — Liz Knueven, CNBC, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for minimum

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of minimum was in 1646

Phrases Containing minimum

Browse Nearby Words

minimize
minimum
minimum premium
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Minimum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/minimum. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

minimum

noun
min·​i·​mum ˈmin-ə-məm How to pronounce minimum (audio)
plural minima -ə-mə How to pronounce minimum (audio) 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 How to pronounce minimum (audio)
plural minima -ə-mə How to pronounce minimum (audio) 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

More from Merriam-Webster on minimum

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for minimum

Nglish: Translation of minimum for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about minimum

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