mini

¹ American  

[min-ee] / ˈmɪn i /

noun

1. miniskirt.

2. a minicomputer.

3. anything of a small, reduced, or miniature size.

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adjective

1. of the length of a miniskirt.

mini- ² American  

1. a combining form with the meanings “of a small or reduced size in comparison with others of its kind” (minicalculator; minicar; minigun ); “limited in scope, intensity, or duration” (miniboom; minicourse; minirecession ); (of clothing) “short, not reaching the knee” (minidress; miniskirt ).

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mini ¹ British  

/ ˈmɪnɪ /

adjective

1. (of a woman's dress, skirt, etc) very short; thigh-length

2. (prenominal) small; miniature

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noun

1. something very small of its kind, esp a small car or a miniskirt

mini- ² British  

combining form

1. smaller or shorter than the standard size

   minibus

   miniskirt

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Usage

What does mini- mean? Mini- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “small,” "limited," or "short." It is often used in a variety of everyday and technical terms, especially in fashion. Mini- comes from a shortening of the terms miniature, minimal, or minimum, all expressing small size or a low limit. Minimum comes from Latin minimus, meaning "smallest" or "least." Related to this root is Latin minor, meaning “smaller,” which was borrowed into English as minor, meaning “lesser in size.” Find out more at our entry for each word.

Etymology

Origin of mini¹

Independent use of mini-, or by shortening of words with mini- as initial element

Origin of mini-²

By shortening of miniature, minimal, or minimum

Example Sentences

“I’m envisioning a mini boutique hotel,” she says.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2026

In New York and New Jersey, its investments were allocated to the construction of mini soccer fields, while in Houston, the funding was used to support a green corridor initiative.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 21, 2026

Representatives for America250 spent years building relationships with dozens of blue-chip companies, such as Coca-Cola, which is making limited edition “America 250” mini cans.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026

"They swapped me to the mini pill but it made it worse, so I couldn't cope," the 20-year-old from Margate said.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

He jogged off down the sidewalk, then slowed to wave at three guys coming out of the mini grocery across the street carrying bottles of soda.

From "The Rock and the River" by Kekla Magoon

Related Words

• cramped
• limited
• meager
• microscopic
• miniature
• minuscule
• modest
• narrow
• paltry
• poor
• short
• slight
• small-scale
• young