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
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 Per standards, there should have been 12 inches of mulch filling the area below the slide with the potential of that mulch compressing to a minimum of 9 inches, the lawsuit says. Daniella Segura, Sacramento Bee, 5 Mar. 2024 Underpinning the serving size recommendation is the FDA’s conclusion that, based on two prospective cohorts evaluated in high-quality studies, the specific amount is the minimum necessary to achieve the claimed effect. Kristen Rogers, CNN, 1 Mar. 2024 Some cities and counties already require higher pay than the state minimum. Daniela Sirtori-Cortina, Fortune, 1 Mar. 2024 One large study also demonstrated an association between a healthy diet and fewer facial wrinkles, and other lifestyle factors like getting adequate sleep and keeping stress to a minimum may also help keep wrinkles at bay. Glamour, 1 Mar. 2024 Some astronomers even think our sun might be in a grand minimum right now, or at least just coming out of one. Popular Science, 29 Feb. 2024 Bradley Beal, Zach LaVine and Kyrie Irving are among the All-Stars of recent years who are already guaranteed to finish below the 65-game minimum. Bryan Toporek, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 Currently, the transition between the solar minimum (the period when the sun has the least number of sunspots) and the solar maximum (when the sun has the most sunspots) is in full swing. Caralin Nunes, The Arizona Republic, 28 Feb. 2024 This verification process involves multiple pieces of criteria, including the use of top-brand materials, dental surgery degrees, continuous education upgrades, and a minimum of 5 years of experience for the dentists involved. Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 23 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'minimum.' 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 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

Dictionary Entries Near minimum

Cite this Entry

“Minimum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/minimum. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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 countryE. A. Strecker
establishing minimum standards for medical educationCIBA Symposia
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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