maxi

¹ American  

[mak-see] / ˈmæk si /

noun

plural

maxis

1. maxiskirt.

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

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

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maxi- ² American  

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 ).

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maxi British  

/ ˈmæksɪ /

adjective

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

   2. ( as noun )

      she wore a maxi

   3. ( in combination )

      a maxidress

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noun

1. a type of large racing yacht

Usage

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.

Etymology

Origin of maxi¹

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

Origin of maxi-¹

Shortening of maximal or maximum, by analogy with mini-

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

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

Rival super maxis Andoo Comanche and LawConnect remained neck-and-neck in the early hours of Wednesday as the fleet began to pass Eden on the New South Wales south coast before heading into Bass Strait.

From Washington Times

Related Words

• preeminent
• transcendent
• utmost