minimum

[min-uh-muhm]

noun

plural

minimums, minima 

1. the least quantity or amount possible, assignable, allowable, or the like.

2. the lowest speed permitted on a highway.

3. the lowest amount, value, or degree attained or recorded.

4. an arbitrary amount set by a restaurant, nightclub, etc., as the least amount to be charged each person for food and drink.

5. Mathematics.

   1. Also called relative minimum,. Also called local minimum. the value of a function at a certain point in its domain, which is less than or equal to the values at all other points in the immediate vicinity of the point.

   2. the point in the domain at which a minimum occurs.

adjective

1. noting or indicating a minimum.

2. least possible.

   minimum risk.

3. lowest.

   a minimum rate.

4. pertaining to a minimum or minimums.

minimum

/ ˈmɪnɪməm /

noun

1. the least possible amount, degree, or quantity

2. the least amount recorded, allowed, or reached

   the minimum in our temperature record this month was 50°

3. (modifier) being the least possible, recorded, allowed, etc

   minimum age

4. maths a value of a function that is less than any neighbouring value

adjective

1. of or relating to a minimum or minimums

minimum

plural

minimums 

1. The lowest known or lowest possible number, measure, quantity, or degree.

2. The lowest value of a mathematical function, if it has such a value.

Word History and Origins

Origin of minimum¹

First recorded in 1655–65; from Latin, neuter of minimus “smallest, least”; minor

Word History and Origins

Origin of minimum¹

C17: from Latin: smallest thing, from minimus least

Example Sentences

The Duchess of Kent, who has died at the age of 92, carried out her royal duties with the minimum of fuss.

From BBC

Since April, businesses have been paying higher National Insurance contributions and a higher minimum wage.

From BBC

She pointed out that the OfS considered universities in the "bronze" category and above to meet minimum quality requirements, as opposed to those that "required improvement"

From BBC

Gustavson was jailed for life with a minimum term of 22 years at the Old Bailey in 2024 for leading an extreme body modification ring.

From BBC

Now Historic England experts have narrowed the minimum age range down by counting the tree's rings in a cross-section of trunk, with the wood considered to be in "good condition".

From BBC

Related Words

• minimal 

When To Use

What does minimum mean?

Minimum means the lowest amount or level of something.Minimum can be a noun or an adjective and it has several more specific meanings, all of which are related in some way to its primary meaning. When minimum is used as a noun, its plural can be minimums or, less commonly, minima.Example: Take the pie out of the oven and let it cool for a minimum of 30 minutes before serving.