minimum

MIN-uh-muhm/ˈmɪnəməm/UKMIN-i-muhm/ˈmɪnɪməm/

Pluralminima, minimums

6 meanings of minimum

1
bottom limitnouncountable
The smallest amount that is possible, needed or allowed.
Like ordering the smallest scoop of ice cream they will sell you.
We need a minimum of three people to play this game.
Try to spend the minimum on things you don't really need.
UsageSay a minimum of three people. Also keep something to a minimum: use as little as you can.
2
adjective
Smallest or lowest in amount or level, often the least that is needed or allowed.
Like doing just enough chores to not get in trouble.
You need the minimum score on the test to pass.
The minimum age for this ride is ten.
UsageUse it before a noun: minimum age. After a verb, minimal is more usual: the risk was minimal.
Similarminimal
Oppositemaximum
3
lowest in datanouncountable
The smallest value in a set of data, or the lowest value a probability distribution can have.
The minimum of the test scores was 52, and the top score was 98.
Of all the temperatures we wrote down this week, the minimum was 41 degrees.
Oppositemaximum
Note
4
lowest point (math)nouncountable
In math, the lowest value a function reaches, overall or in a small area, or the point where it is reached.
Like the lowest spot in a valley when you walk along a hilly path.
Our math teacher asked us to find the minimum of the function.
The graph has a minimum at x = 3, where the curve stops going down and starts going up.
UsageIn math the plural is usually minima.
Oppositemaximum
Note

Less common meanings

5
smallest member (sets)nouncountable
The lowest value of a set, when that value is itself one of the set's members.
Like the shortest kid in a class who is still one of the students.
The minimum of that set of numbers is two.
Every finite group of numbers has a minimum.
Oppositemaximum
Note
6
noun
A time when a star appears least bright or gives off the least energy.

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of minimum apart? Answer 3 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origin

From Latin minimum, meaning "the least" or "the smallest".

Checked 6 Nov 2026 · 2 facts

English minimum comes from Latin minimum. en.wiktionary.org
Latin minimum means the least or the smallest. en.wiktionary.org