maximum

noun

max·​i·​mum ˈmak-s(ə-)məm 

plural maxima ˈmak-sə-mə  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

Synonyms of maximum

• max
• most
• utmost

Examples of maximum in a Sentence

achieved the maximum

Recent Examples on the Web

The charge carries a maximum of four years’ imprisonment and a minimum of a fine. — ABC News, 6 Oct. 2026

The stalking count carries a maximum of 10 years, and the firearm-possession count carries a maximum of 20 years. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 6 Oct. 2026

Damian Reynolds, 34, was sentenced to a 20-year prison sentence — the maximum allowed under the law —after he was convicted of abusing two women, according to the Ada County Prosecutor’s Office. — Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 6 Oct. 2026

The Russians calculated the satellite’s orbit at a maximum of 560 miles above the earth and its speed at 18,000 miles an hour. — The Learning Network, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin, neuter of maximus biggest — more at maxim

First Known Use

1663, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing maximum

• maximum likelihood
• maximum occupancy
• maximum security prison

Kids Definition

maximum

noun

max·​i·​mum ˈmak-s(ə-)məm 

plural maxima -sə-mə  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

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