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.
Hundreds of workers with the Army Corps of Engineers have also been subject to mandatory relocations and minimum communication. — Chiara Eisner, NPR, 3 Aug. 2026 The required aging time for Barolo prior to release is 38 months, with at least 18 in barrel; Riserva Barolo must age for a minimum of 62 months. — Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 2 Aug. 2026 The law requires the state to add a minimum of $350 million in new funding to the formula each year — but that figure isn’t adjusted for inflation. — Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2026 Every member of the UConn Fire Department is certified at the EMT level, at minimum. — Mike Enright, Hartford Courant, 1 Aug. 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 5 Aug. 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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