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

The monthly minimum wage in Venezuela is 35 US cents -- the same as the state pension, in a country whose gross domestic product is reeling.

From Barron's

But, with most of Syria's population living below the poverty line and the minimum wage at around $75, many have found themselves unable to pay the new tariffs.

From Barron's

Bolton also said the firm was hit by rising energy and materials costs, as well as increases in the minimum wage and employer National Insurance Contributions.

From BBC

But the work was hard and the payment far below minimum wage.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

From BBC

Related Words

• living wage