noun
minimum
MIH-nih-muhm
noun
1
The smallest amount, level, or degree possible or allowed.
"The minimum wage was raised last year."
"Please try to keep noise to a minimum after 10pm."
adj
1
The lowest amount or degree allowed or required.
"The minimum age to apply is eighteen."
How to Use Minimum
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe least amount that is possible, needed, or allowed.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
minimum wage
bare minimum
minimum requirement
keep to a minimum
Word Forms
minima plural, minimums plural
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Etymology
A learned borrowing from Latin minimum, the neuter form of minimus, "least" or "smallest."