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
Only 15 new all-time record low temperature records were set, for either daily maximums or minimums, according to available preliminary NOAA data.
—
Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 7 Feb. 2026
Each contestant has 90 seconds and a maximum of three attempts for each dunk.
—Los Angeles Times, 7 Feb. 2026
One weapons count carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years and a maximum of life, while another related conspiracy charge also carries a maximum sentence of life.
—Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 6 Feb. 2026
As has been the case the entire season, the Heat remain with an available standard roster spot, having operated at 14 since October, one shy of the NBA maximum.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for maximum
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Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 7 Feb. 2026
Each contestant has 90 seconds and a maximum of three attempts for each dunk.
—Los Angeles Times, 7 Feb. 2026
One weapons count carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years and a maximum of life, while another related conspiracy charge also carries a maximum sentence of life.
—Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 6 Feb. 2026
As has been the case the entire season, the Heat remain with an available standard roster spot, having operated at 14 since October, one shy of the NBA maximum.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for maximum
Cite this Entry
“Maximum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/maximum. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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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