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

This, as well as higher staffing costs through employer National Insurance contributions and minimum wage hikes, means companies will be under pressure to pass higher costs onto customers through higher prices.

From BBC

The monthly minimum wage currently equates to around 28 US cents, while annual price hikes surpass 600 percent.

From Barron's

The government says raising the minimum wage is an important part of dealing with the cost of living crisis, but some employers worry it means they will have to cut staff numbers.

From BBC

It was an unusual choice: Servers and bartenders already earn more than minimum wage, especially in Chicago, where a typical restaurant worker reportedly earns nearly $30 an hour between the lower base wage and tips.

From The Wall Street Journal

When she came back last month, with the new H-2A rates in effect, she was offered only the state minimum wage of $16.90 an hour.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• living wage