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

But in the “switch in time that saved nine,” the high court reversed course, upholding minimum wage.

From The Wall Street Journal

Labour, under pressure from its own backbenchers, adopted a number of left-wing measures in its budget this week, including raising the minimum wage, boosting child benefits and introducing a new tax on high-value homes.

From Barron's

He said the industry was already under significant pressure following the chancellor's first Budget last October, which pushed up hiring costs with a hike in employer national insurance contributions and the minimum wage.

From BBC

But she also announced policies that could raise inflation, including lifting a cap on welfare payment for more than two children and an increase to the minimum wage.

From The Wall Street Journal

Michelle Wilson, care manager at Home Instead, a domiciliary care company based in Epsom and Dorking, said the rise in minimum wage could cause problems.

From BBC

Related Words

• living wage