MAXIMUM Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com (original) (raw)

[mak-s_uh_-m_uh_m] / ˈmæk sə məm /

noun

the greatest quantity or amount possible, assignable, allowable, etc.
the highest amount, value, or degree attained or recorded.
an upper limit allowed or allowable by law or regulation.
Mathematics.
1. Also called relative maximum,. Also called local maximum. the value of a function at a certain point in its domain, which is greater than or equal to the values at all other points in the immediate vicinity of the point.
2. the point in the domain at which a maximum occurs.

adjective

that is a maximum; greatest or highest possible or attained.

maximum satisfaction; maximum temperature.
pertaining to a maximum or maximums.

maximum British

/ ˈmæksɪməm /

noun

the greatest possible amount, degree, etc
the highest value of a variable quantity
maths
1. a value of a function that is greater than any neighbouring value
2. a stationary point on a curve at which the tangent changes from a positive value on the left of this point to a negative value on the right Compare minimum
3. the largest number in a set
astronomy
1. the time at which the brightness of a variable star has its greatest value
2. the magnitude of the star at that time

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

adjective

of, being, or showing a maximum or maximums

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

maximum Scientific

/ măk′sə-məm /

The greatest known or greatest possible number, measure, quantity, or degree.
The greatest value of a mathematical function, if it has such a value.

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of maximum

First recorded in 1730–40; from Latin, noun use of neuter of maximus, superlative of magnus “great, large”

Explanation

Both a noun and an adjective, maximum takes it to the max: it means the most, the fastest, the biggest. "The most you can have is the maximum": that's the noun. In "the maximum amount is the most you can have," it's used as an adjective. You might be familiar with the shortened version of the word: the "max." If you take something "to the max," you're doing as much of it as possible. You take it to the limit. You take it to the maximum.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing maximum

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Besides achieving the Federal Reserve’s dual mandate of 2% inflation and maximum employment, an important matter for Kevin Warsh’s tenure as chairman is how he will support the central bank’s independence and enhance its accountability.

FromThe Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026

The strongest performer acted as a full agonist, meaning it could trigger the maximum biological response possible from the 5-HT2A receptor system.

FromScience Daily • May 14, 2026

A 2025 State Water Board document shows the farm houses an average of 700 calves at any one time, with a maximum 1,400.

FromLos Angeles Times • May 12, 2026

Lead vocals must be live, with no lip-syncing or auto-tuning allowed and a maximum of six singers and dancers on stage.

FromBBC • May 12, 2026

Inside the OASIS, I closed all the windows on my display and set my account’s security level to maximum.

From"Ready Player One: A Novel" by Ernest Cline

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023