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
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
That language created a very costly penalty, and forced countries to allow their maximum to be at least 5% of net turnover, but gave them the option to go even higher.
—
Jon McGowan, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025
If approved, able-bodied AHCCCS recipients would have to work or attend school at least 20 hours per week and could receive health coverage for a maximum of five years.
—Jessica Boehm, Axios, 24 Feb. 2025
The Heat currently are at the maximum of three such players, with Josh Christopher, Isaiah Stevens and Dru Smith under two-way deals.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 22 Feb. 2025
The original 150-year-old sewer system was severely overwhelmed, having been designed to serve a maximum of four million people but required to handle over double that, resulting in human waste and stormwater runoff being regularly dumped in the Thames, a major river in the area.
—Adam Williams, New Atlas, 21 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for maximum
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Jon McGowan, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025
If approved, able-bodied AHCCCS recipients would have to work or attend school at least 20 hours per week and could receive health coverage for a maximum of five years.
—Jessica Boehm, Axios, 24 Feb. 2025
The Heat currently are at the maximum of three such players, with Josh Christopher, Isaiah Stevens and Dru Smith under two-way deals.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 22 Feb. 2025
The original 150-year-old sewer system was severely overwhelmed, having been designed to serve a maximum of four million people but required to handle over double that, resulting in human waste and stormwater runoff being regularly dumped in the Thames, a major river in the area.
—Adam Williams, New Atlas, 21 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for maximum
Cite this Entry
“Maximum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/maximum. Accessed 28 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
maximum
noun
max·i·mum
ˈmak-s(ə-)məm
plural maxima
-sə-mə
or maximums
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
plural maxima
-sə-mə
or maximums
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
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