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• minimum wage
  minimum wage

  noun

  the lowest wage payable to employees in general or to designated employees as fixed by law or by union agreement.
• minimum-wage
  minimum-wage

  adjective

  of or relating to a minimum wage.

minimum wage

¹ American  

noun

1. the lowest wage payable to employees in general or to designated employees as fixed by law or by union agreement.

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minimum-wage ² American  

[min-uh-muhm-weyj] / ˈmɪn ə məmˈweɪdʒ /

adjective

1. of or relating to a minimum wage.

   minimum-wage demands.

2. paid or earning a minimum wage.

   a minimum-wage worker.

3. paying a minimum wage.

   a minimum-wage job.

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minimum wage British  

noun

1. the lowest wage that an employer is permitted to pay by law or union contract

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minimum wage Cultural  

1. The lowest legal hourly wage.

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Etymology

Origin of minimum wage

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

In some places, employers must pay a full minimum wage before tips are even considered.

From MarketWatch • May 14, 2026

He’s also expressed his intention to “make the minimum wage a living wage.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

Announcing the new minimum wage package on Thursday, she said it was "the most significant increase in recent years" but acknowledged that it was still "not enough."

From Barron's • May 1, 2026

Having tried and failed to secure employment in the renewable energy sector, the 48-year-old is now working on the minimum wage in a Glasgow pub.

From BBC • Apr. 29, 2026

"After you left I was thinking...I really could use a hand. But I could only pay minimum wage, and only a couple shifts per week."

From "We Are Okay" by Nina LaCour

Related Words

• living wage