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.

---

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.

---

minimum wage British  

noun

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

---

minimum wage Cultural  

1. The lowest legal hourly wage.

---

Etymology

Origin of minimum wage

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

The introduction of higher staff National Insurance contributions and higher minimum wage have raised costs for retailers.

From BBC

That October, the chancellor increased national insurance contributions for employers and announced a rise in the minimum wage.

From BBC

She said increases in utilities, food prices and staff costs - including increases to the minimum wage - had left the whole hospitality industry "on its knees".

From BBC

Rising minimum wages and social security contributions have made it more expensive to hire students and other seasonal staff.

From The Wall Street Journal

Nineteen states also raised their minimum wage starting this month, another boon to low-income households.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• living wage