maximum
noun
max·i·mum
| \ ˈmak-s(ə-)məm
\
\
plural maxima\ ˈmak-sə-mə
\
or maximums\ ˈmak-s(ə-)məmz
\
\
or maximums\ ˈmak-s(ə-)məmz
\
Definition of maximum
1a
: 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
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Examples of maximum in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
As part of the plea deal, federal prosecutors recommended she get a four-month prison sentence, substantially lower than the maximum of 20 years the charges carry. — Andrea Mandell, USA TODAY, "Netflix didn't release mom movie 'Otherhood' with Felicity Huffman amid scandal — until now," 3 Aug. 2019 Fans who were there haven’t forgotten the marathon match that went the maximum of five games as Clear Falls prevailed 17-25, 25-22, 20-25, 25-20, 15-8. — Robert Avery, Houston Chronicle, "Lady Deer volleyball travels to Clear Falls Saturday for series of scrimmages," 2 Aug. 2019 Video streaming is limited to DVD-quality (480p), and while there is unlimited mobile hot spot data, hot spot speeds are capped at a maximum of 600 Kbps. — Chaim Gartenberg, The Verge, "Verizon overhauls its ‘unlimited’ offerings with four new plans and $5 price cuts," 2 Aug. 2019 In exchange, the maximum from the start of the season through August will increase from 25 to 26. — Ronald Blum, The Denver Post, "Arms race ahead of MLB trade window shutting Wednesday," 30 July 2019 That’s higher than the maximum of $65 an hour professional guardians are allowed to charge wards for their services under court rules. — Monivette Cordeiro, orlandosentinel.com, "Florida professional guardian Rebecca Fierle: Devoted or dangerous? | Exclusive," 26 July 2019 Bring pool inner-tubes from home (maximum allowed size: four seats) or rent them for $5 online and $10 at the gate. — Phillip Valys, sun-sentinel.com, "You’re gonna need a bigger float: Watch ‘The Meg’ on the water in South Florida," 22 July 2019 Former Vice President Joe Biden collected $166,438 in the state over the same span, including maximum, $2,800 contributions from Lamont and his wife, Annie. — Russell Blair, courant.com, "Capitol Week in Review: Controversy surrounds education commissioner pick," 19 July 2019 Satterfield would much rather meet the scholarship maximum. — Cameron Teague Robinson, The Courier-Journal, "Who will play QB for Louisville football? Scott Satterfield isn't rushing the decision," 16 July 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'maximum.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for maximum
maximum
noun
English Language Learners Definition of maximum
: the highest number or amount that is possible or allowed
See the full definition for maximum in the English Language Learners Dictionary
maximum
noun
max·i·mum
| \ ˈmak-sə-məm
\
\
plural maxima\ -sə-mə \
or maximums
Kids Definition of maximum
(Entry 1 of 3)
: the highest value : greatest amount
We had to pay the maximum.
maximum
adjectiveKids Definition of maximum (Entry 2 of 3)
: as great as possible in amount or degree
We work with maximum efficiency.
maximum
adverbKids Definition of maximum (Entry 3 of 3)
: at the most
… it will only take her two minutes—maximum—to get home.— Betsy Byars, The Computer Nut
maximum
noun
max·i·mum
| \ ˈmak-s(ə-)məm
\
\
plural maxima\ -sə-mə
\
or maximums
\
or maximums
Medical Definition of maximum
1a
: 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)