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
Innovative novels from Ann Patchett and Claire Lombardo are rooted in ordinary lives, magic tricks kept to a minimum.
—
Hamilton Cain, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2025
To qualify, applicants must deposit a minimum of $10,000 to $50,000 in a Philippine bank, depending on their age and retirement income.
—Alex Ledsom, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
Another expiring vet minimum in Phoenix, and a sneakier reunion candidate than Bruce Brown.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 30 May 2025
He was sentenced to life in prison and must serve a minimum of 24 years before parole can be considered.
—Becca Longmire, People.com, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for minimum
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Hamilton Cain, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2025
To qualify, applicants must deposit a minimum of $10,000 to $50,000 in a Philippine bank, depending on their age and retirement income.
—Alex Ledsom, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
Another expiring vet minimum in Phoenix, and a sneakier reunion candidate than Bruce Brown.
—Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 30 May 2025
He was sentenced to life in prison and must serve a minimum of 24 years before parole can be considered.
—Becca Longmire, People.com, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for minimum
Cite this Entry
“Minimum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/minimum. Accessed 5 Jun. 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?
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