noun
Common
min
mihn
Min (noun) means a common abbreviation for "minute" or "minimum". Example: “Boil the eggs for 8 min, then cool them in cold water.”
noun
1
A common abbreviation for "minute" or "minimum".
"Boil the eggs for 8 min, then cool them in cold water."
"The form asks for a min of five characters in the password."
"Cook the pasta for 10 min, then drain."
2
A group of related Chinese languages spoken mainly in Fujian province, including Hokkien.
"The shop owner switches between Mandarin and Min when talking to his relatives."
"A linguist explained that Min is quite different from other Chinese varieties."
"Her grandparents spoke Min at home."
How to use min
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMost often seen as shorthand for "minute" or "minimum"; also the name of a Chinese language family from Fujian.
Common pairings
5 min
min. order
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Word forms
- Plural
- mins
- Third person singular
- mins
- Past tense
- minned
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Boil the eggs for 8 _____, then cool them in cold water.
Etymology
As "minute/minimum", simply a clipped abbreviation. As the language name, from the river Min in Fujian, China.
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “min” mean?
The word “min” means a common abbreviation for "minute" or "minimum". In plain terms, most often seen as shorthand for "minute" or "minimum"; also the name of a Chinese language family from Fujian.
How do you pronounce “min”?
“Min” is pronounced mihn (/mɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “min” in a sentence?
Here is “min” used in a sentence: “Cook the pasta for 10 min, then drain.”
What part of speech is “min”?
“Min” is a noun.
Is “min” a common word?
“Min” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “min” have?
“Min” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a common abbreviation for "minute" or "minimum".
What does 'min' stand for?
'Min' is a short abbreviation with two main meanings. Most often it stands for 'minute,' the unit of time — as in '5 min walk.' It can also stand for 'minimum,' the smallest amount or lowest value. The surrounding context usually makes clear which one is meant.
What is the difference between 'min' and 'max'?
When used for 'minimum' and 'maximum,' they are opposites. 'Min' marks the lowest or smallest allowed value, while 'max' marks the highest or largest. You often see them paired in settings, recipes, and specifications — for example, 'min 2, max 8 players' means between two and eight.
How do you know if 'min' means minute or minimum?
Context is the guide. Next to a number and a time or measurement, 'min' usually means minute — '30 min run.' In a list of limits, rules, or settings, it usually means minimum — 'min age 18.' If it is unclear, spelling the word out avoids confusion.
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