minimum

UK: /ˈmɪnɪməm/ US: /ˈmɪnəməm/ ,(min′ə məm)

Inflections of 'minimum' (n):

minimums

npl

minima

npl

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

min•i•mum /ˈmɪnəməm/   n., pl. -mums, -ma /-mə/   adj. 

n. [countable]

1. the least amount possible, allowable, or needed:
   to work a minimum of six hours a day.
2. the lowest amount, value, or degree attained:
   the lowest minimums ever recorded for summer temperatures.

adj. [before a noun]

3. of or relating to a minimum:
   a minimum stay of five days.

See -min-.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

min•i•mum  (min′ə məm), n., pl. -mums, -ma (-mə),  adj. 

n. 

1. the least quantity or amount possible, assignable, allowable, or the like.
2. Automotive 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. Cf. cover charge. 
5. [Math.]
   • Also called relative minimum, 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. Cf. absolute minimum. 
   • the point in the domain at which a minimum occurs.

adj. 

6. noting or indicating a minimum.
7. least possible:
   minimum risk.
8. lowest:
   a minimum rate.
9. pertaining to a minimum or minimums.

• Latin, neuter of minimus smallest, least. See minor
• 1655–65

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

minimum / ˈmɪnɪməm/ noun ( -mums, -ma / -mə/)

1. the least possible amount, degree, or quantity
2. the least amount recorded, allowed, or reached
3. (modifier) being the least possible, recorded, allowed, etc: minimum age

adjective

1. of or relating to a minimum or minimums

Etymology: 17th Century: from Latin: smallest thing, from minimus least