maximum

American  

[mak-suh-muhm] / ˈmæk sə məm /

noun

maximums, plural maxima plural

1. the greatest quantity or amount possible, assignable, allowable, etc.

2. the highest amount, value, or degree attained or recorded.

3. an upper limit allowed or allowable by law or regulation.

4. 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.

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adjective

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

   maximum satisfaction; maximum temperature.

2. pertaining to a maximum or maximums.

maximum British  

/ ˈmæksɪməm /

noun

1. the greatest possible amount, degree, etc

2. the highest value of a variable quantity

3. 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

4. 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

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adjective

1. of, being, or showing a maximum or maximums

maximum Scientific  

/ măk′sə-məm /

maximums plural

1. The greatest known or greatest possible number, measure, quantity, or degree.

2. The greatest value of a mathematical function, if it has such a value.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• maximumly
  adverb
• submaximum
  adjective

Inflected Forms

noun

• maximums
  plural
• maxima
  plural

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.

Example Sentences

The chain’s struggles around its brand and menu have added to broader challenges facing the casual-dining industry, which has contended with low- and middle-income consumers watching their wallets and seeking maximum value for their dollars.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

The Latino-centric gift shop reached maximum capacity with a new pop-up art exhibit titled “El Fútbol Es del Pueblo,” featuring over 30 artworks that provide commentary on the global sport.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 8, 2026

What is the maximum amount I can expect to receive?

From MarketWatch • Jun. 8, 2026

E-motos usually generate much more than 750 watts of power, the maximum allowed for electric bicycles.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 7, 2026

Their hands are cuffed and they wear color-coded jailhouse jumpsuits: yellow for maximum security, blue for minimum, and red for administrative segregation, which is the official term for solitary confinement.

From "The 57 Bus" by Dashka Slater

Related Words

• ceiling
• peak