mini

1 of 3

noun

ˈmi-nē How to pronounce mini (audio)
plural minis
Synonyms of mininext
: something small of its kind: such as
a
: minicar
b
: miniskirt
c
: minicomputer

mini

2 of 3

adjective

1
: small in relation to others of the same kind
2
: of short length or duration : brief

mini-

3 of 3

combining form

: smaller or briefer than usual, normal, or standard
minicourse
minibus

Examples of mini in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The carrier on Wednesday unveiled new crockery for the cabins, new Missoni mini pillows and fresh food and beverage menus, including Champagne served over sorbet and Blanton's bourbon. — Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2026 Along with her Calvin Klein look, Ortega, who was styled by longtime collaborator Enrique Melendez, wore golden stacker mini hoop earrings by Suzanne Kalan, with platform booties by Christian Louboutin. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2026
Adjective
Sweeney kept that in mind by adding a sheer pair of gray tights under a pair of brown mini shorts that matched her boots. — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026 The single-use, disposable mini-PCR device is paired with the company’s telemedicine app, built in partnership with Google Cloud's Health + AI and Optum Now, to help patients obtain a prescription, if needed, in under two hours. — Charlotte Hu, Time, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mini

Word History

Etymology

Noun

mini-

Combining form

miniature

First Known Use

Noun

1960, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1963, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of mini was in 1960

Phrases Containing mini

Rhymes for mini

See All Rhymes for mini

Browse Nearby Words

minhah
mini
mini-
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mini.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mini. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

mini

1 of 2 noun
ˈmin-ē
: something small of its kind: as
a
: miniskirt
b
: minicomputer

mini-

2 of 2 combining form
: very small or short : miniature
minibike
miniskirt
Etymology

Combining form

derived by shortening from miniature

More from Merriam-Webster on mini

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for mini

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