maxi

¹

[mak-see]

noun

plural

maxis 

1. maxiskirt.

2. a garment having a maxiskirt, as a coat.

3. of the length of a maxiskirt; having a maxiskirt.

maxi-

²

1. a combining form with the meanings “very large in comparison with others of its kind” (maxi-budget; maxi-taxi ); “of great scope or intensity” (maxi-devaluation; maxi-service ); (of clothing) “long, nearly ankle-length” (maxicoat; maxiskirt ).

maxi

/ ˈmæksɪ /

adjective

1. 1. (of a garment) reaching the ankle

   2. ( as noun )

      she wore a maxi

   3. ( in combination )

      a maxidress

noun

1. a type of large racing yacht

Word History and Origins

Origin of maxi¹

1965–70; shortening of maxiskirt, or independent use of maxi-

Origin of maxi²

Shortening of maximal or maximum, by analogy with mini-

Word History and Origins

Origin of maxi¹

C20: shortened from _maximum

Example Sentences

In August's print edition of Vogue, a Guess advert features a flawless blonde model showing off a striped maxi dress and a floral playsuit from the brand's summer collection.

From BBC

At Stella McCartney's Paris show, US actress and Michael Jackson's daughter Paris Jackson wore a translucent black off-the-shoulder maxi dress with only a nude-coloured thong underneath.

From BBC

As Gracie Abrams roamed the Greek Theatre stage Monday, the pit dwellers’ outstretched arms resembled flames licking the hem of her sheer black maxi skirt.

From Los Angeles Times

She told Wiig that the jackets were not all that special anymore, adding, “They basically hand those out to everybody like free maxi pads.”

From New York Times

“We tell folks if you’re soaking through a maxi pad, two, in an hour to two hours, they should seek help.”

From Salon

Related Words

• preeminent 
• transcendent 
• utmost 

When To Use

What does maxi- mean?

Maxi- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “very large” or "of great scope or intensity." It is occasionally used in a variety of everyday terms, especially in fashion.Maxi- comes from a shortening of maximal or maximum, meaning "greatest possible." The word maximum comes from Latin maximus, the superlative form of magnus, meaning "great" or "large." This Latin word is also related to the root of the terms maxim, "an expression of a general truth or principle," and major “greater in size.” Learn more at our entries for maxim and major.