This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
minus
[ mahy-nuhs ]
/ ˈmaɪ nəs /
Save This Word!
This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
preposition
less by the subtraction of; decreased by: Ten minus six is four.
lacking or without: a book minus its title page.
adjective
noun
QUIZ
QUIZ YOURSELF ON “ITS” VS. “IT’S”!
Apostrophes can be tricky; prove you know the difference between "it’s" and "its" in this crafty quiz!
Question 1 of 8
On the farm, the feed for chicks is significantly different from the roosters’; ______ not even comparable.
Origin of minus
1300–50; Middle English <Latin, neuter of minor less; see minor
Words nearby minus
minty, Minucius Felix, minuend, minuet, Minuit, minus, minuscule, minus cyclophoria, minus sight, minus sign, minute
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
How to use minus in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for minus
minus
/ (ˈmaɪnəs) /
preposition
reduced by the subtraction offour minus two (written 4 – 2)
informal deprived of; lackingminus the trimmings, that hat would be ordinary
adjective
noun
Mathematical symbol: –
Word Origin for minus
C15: from Latin, neuter of minor
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012