minimum
noun
min·i·mum
ˈmi-nə-məm 
plural minima
ˈmi-nə-mə
or minimums
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
The jury ruled King’s campaign had innocently infringed Griner’s copyright and awarded the minimum amount of compensation required: $750.
—
Maureen Groppe, USA TODAY, 21 Jan. 2025
The Lightning were able to whip the puck around a bit on the first opportunity, but for the most part, the Maple Leafs kept chances to a minimum.
—Nick Ashbourne, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025
In fact, going above the minimum building codes can sometimes save on insurance, and surely reduce the risk of heartbreaking consequences when disaster strikes.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 20 Jan. 2025
Jensen said the standard for allowing military veterans in the housing is too low, noting that anyone with a minimum of 90 days in the uniformed services can qualify.
—Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for minimum 
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.
Maureen Groppe, USA TODAY, 21 Jan. 2025
The Lightning were able to whip the puck around a bit on the first opportunity, but for the most part, the Maple Leafs kept chances to a minimum.
—Nick Ashbourne, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025
In fact, going above the minimum building codes can sometimes save on insurance, and surely reduce the risk of heartbreaking consequences when disaster strikes.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 20 Jan. 2025
Jensen said the standard for allowing military veterans in the housing is too low, noting that anyone with a minimum of 90 days in the uniformed services can qualify.
—Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for minimum
Dictionary Entries Near minimum
Cite this Entry
“Minimum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/minimum. Accessed 24 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
minimum
noun
min·i·mum
ˈmin-ə-məm
plural minima
-ə-mə
or minimums
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
plural minima
-ə-mə
or minimums
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
E. A. Streckerestablishing minimum standards for medical education—CIBA Symposia
CIBA SymposiaLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share