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

“The process, the research, the putting it together, the making of it is really fun, and the delivery of it is kind of like a mini death syndrome,” he says.

From Los Angeles Times

After his viral rendition of the anthem, Harry, decked out in a black suit, even hosted his own online mini chat show, external with England internationals Dylan Hartley, Luther Burrell and Kieran Brookes as guests.

From BBC

To meet changing consumer preferences, Krispy Kreme has introduced smaller portion options, including bite-sized and mini doughnuts, and the company plans to launch a line of mini cake donuts later this year.

From The Wall Street Journal

Parents nervous about unveiling wealth to children don’t need to share everything at once, and can stage mini reveals along the way.

From The Wall Street Journal

The company began supplying Reagan with mini jelly beans to help him quit smoking and he took the tradition to the White House.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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