maximum

noun

max·​i·​mum ˈmak-s(ə-)məm How to pronounce maximum (audio)
plural maxima ˈmak-sə-mə How to pronounce maximum (audio) or maximums ˈmak-s(ə-)məmz How to pronounce maximum (audio)
1
a
: the greatest quantity or value attainable or attained
b
: the period of highest, greatest, or utmost development
2
: an upper limit allowed (as by a legal authority) or allowable (as by the circumstances of a particular case)
3
: the largest of a set of numbers
specifically : the largest value assumed by a real-valued continuous function defined on a closed interval
maximum adjective

Examples of maximum in a Sentence

achieved the maximum
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Anyone accessing the medication will not be required to provide their name and can request a maximum of two per week. Lily Kepner, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024 Join 8 others in the comments View Comments Scientists from NOAA, NASA and the international Solar Cycle Prediction Panel announced in October that the sun has reached solar maximum, or the peak of activity within its 11-year cycle. Ashley Strickland, CNN, 20 Nov. 2024 According to scientists, the solar maximum, or the next peak in solar activity, will occur between late 2024 and early 2026, according to Space.com. Janet Loehrke, USA TODAY, 18 Nov. 2024 Companies can bill for a maximum of 36 months, after which patients are entitled to use the equipment without further charge. Peter Elkind, ProPublica, 13 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for maximum 

Word History

Etymology

Latin, neuter of maximus biggest — more at maxim

First Known Use

1663, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of maximum was in 1663

Dictionary Entries Near maximum

Cite this Entry

“Maximum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/maximum. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

maximum

noun
max·​i·​mum ˈmak-s(ə-)məm How to pronounce maximum (audio)
plural maxima -sə-mə How to pronounce maximum (audio) or maximums
1
: the highest quantity, value, or development
2
: an upper limit allowed
maximum adjective

Medical Definition

maximum

noun
max·​i·​mum ˈmak-s(ə-)məm How to pronounce maximum (audio)
plural maxima -sə-mə How to pronounce maximum (audio) or maximums
1
a
: the greatest quantity or value attainable or attained
b
: the period of highest, greatest, or utmost development
2
: an upper limit allowed (as by a legal authority) or allowable (as by the circumstances of a particular case)
maximum adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on maximum

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