Minimum

/ˈmɪnɪməm/

Meaning & Definition

noun
The least or smallest amount or quantity possible, attainable, or required.
The recipe calls for a minimum of two cups of flour.
The lowest point or level reached or recorded.
The temperature dropped to a minimum of zero degrees last night.
The smallest degree or amount necessary for a certain purpose.
The job requires a minimum of five years of experience.
adjective
Of or relating to the least or smallest amount possible.
We need to keep our minimum standards of quality high.
Referring to the lowest possible level or value.
The minimum speed required to enter the race is 10 mph.

Etymology

Late Latin, from 'minimus' meaning 'least'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

minimum viable product
A product with just enough features to be usable by early customers.
minimum standards
The lowest permissible levels of quality or performance.
minimum order quantity
The smallest amount of a product a supplier is willing to sell.

Related Words

minimal
Referring to the least amount or degree.
minimize
To reduce something to the smallest possible amount.

Slang Meanings

Min
We're only offering the min on this deal.
Min wage
He's working at the min wage job just to get by.