maximum
noun
max·i·mum
ˈmak-s(ə-)məm 
plural maxima
ˈmak-sə-mə
or maximums
ˈmak-s(ə-)məmz
or maximums
ˈmak-s(ə-)məmz
1
a
: the greatest quantity or value attainable or attained
b
: the period of highest, greatest, or utmost development
2
: an upper limit allowed (as by a legal authority) or allowable (as by the circumstances of a particular case)
3
: the largest of a set of numbers
specifically
: the largest value assumed by a real-valued continuous function defined on a closed interval
maximum
adjective
Examples of maximum in a Sentence
achieved the maximum
Recent Examples on the Web
Beginning the week of June 2, soldiers, their horses and the caisson will carry caskets for two funerals a day and a maximum of 10 per week.
—
Tom Vanden Brook, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2025
The charge carries a maximum of 10 years in prison, federal officials said.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 8 Apr. 2025
On Friday, Arteta insisted the Everton game would not fade into insignificance, but a weakened Arsenal team left Merseyside after a 1-1 draw knowing that Liverpool need a maximum of 11 points from their final eight games to become champions.
—Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025
Rent on units designated for people in that income bracket can be a maximum of $1,179 a month.
—Theresa Clift, Sacbee.com, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for maximum
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Tom Vanden Brook, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2025
The charge carries a maximum of 10 years in prison, federal officials said.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 8 Apr. 2025
On Friday, Arteta insisted the Everton game would not fade into insignificance, but a weakened Arsenal team left Merseyside after a 1-1 draw knowing that Liverpool need a maximum of 11 points from their final eight games to become champions.
—Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025
Rent on units designated for people in that income bracket can be a maximum of $1,179 a month.
—Theresa Clift, Sacbee.com, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for maximum
Cite this Entry
“Maximum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/maximum. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
maximum
noun
max·i·mum
ˈmak-s(ə-)məm
plural maxima
-sə-mə
or maximums
or maximums
1
: the highest quantity, value, or development
2
: an upper limit allowed
maximum
adjective
Medical Definition
maximum
noun
max·i·mum
ˈmak-s(ə-)məm
plural maxima
-sə-mə
or maximums
or maximums
1
a
: the greatest quantity or value attainable or attained
b
: the period of highest, greatest, or utmost development
2
: an upper limit allowed (as by a legal authority) or allowable (as by the circumstances of a particular case)
maximum
adjective
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