minimal

adjective

min·​i·​mal ˈmi-nə-məl How to pronounce minimal (audio)
1
: relating to or being a minimum: such as
a
: the least possible
a victory won with minimal loss of life
b
: barely adequate
a minimal standard of living
c
: very small or slight
a minimal interest in art
2
often capitalized : of, relating to, or being minimal art or minimalism
minimally adverb

Examples of minimal in a Sentence

The storm caused minimal damage. areas at minimal risk for flooding
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.
The company, whose search engine is not available in China, has minimal operations in the country. Simone McCarthy, CNN, 4 Feb. 2025 The production by British post-punk veteran Nick Launay helps this minimal song compel your attention as the band keeps playing. Simon Vozick-Levinson, Rolling Stone, 4 Feb. 2025 Barclays said that the medical technology company name will be among the least impacted by the tariffs compared with peers because of Abbott’s minimal manufacturing presence in Canada, Mexico and China. Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 3 Feb. 2025 Once both halves are cast and the parts are acceptable, robots finish the surfaces that are expected to touch other components, with minimal use of a lubricant that Honda says has cut energy use significantly. Ars Technica, 3 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for minimal 

Word History

First Known Use

1666, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of minimal was in 1666

Dictionary Entries Near minimal

Cite this Entry

“Minimal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/minimal. Accessed 11 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

minimal

adjective
min·​i·​mal ˈmin-ə-məl How to pronounce minimal (audio)
: relating to or being a minimum : least
minimally adverb

Medical Definition

minimal

adjective
min·​i·​mal ˈmin-ə-məl How to pronounce minimal (audio)
: relating to or being a minimum : constituting the least possible with respect to size, number, degree, or certain stated conditions
tuberosity fractures heal with minimal … treatmentJ. S. Keene et al.
residents receive a minimal level of personal careA. S. Oser
side effects are minimal

More from Merriam-Webster on minimal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!