mini

¹

[min-ee]

noun

1. miniskirt.

2. a minicomputer.

3. anything of a small, reduced, or miniature size.

adjective

1. of the length of a miniskirt.

mini-

²

1. a combining form with the meanings “of a small or reduced size in comparison with others of its kind” (minicalculator; minicar; minigun ); “limited in scope, intensity, or duration” (miniboom; minicourse; minirecession ); (of clothing) “short, not reaching the knee” (minidress; miniskirt ).

mini

¹

/ ˈmɪnɪ /

adjective

1. (of a woman's dress, skirt, etc) very short; thigh-length

2. (prenominal) small; miniature

noun

1. something very small of its kind, esp a small car or a miniskirt

mini-

²

combining form

1. smaller or shorter than the standard size

   minibus

   miniskirt

Word History and Origins

Origin of mini¹

Independent use of mini-, or by shortening of words with mini- as initial element

Origin of mini²

By shortening of miniature, minimal, or minimum

Word History and Origins

Origin of mini¹

C20: from _miniature and _minimum

Example Sentences

They had been planning to mark the 24th anniversary of 9/11, covering public lawns with mini U.S. flags and “Never Forget” signs.

From Los Angeles Times

The Toy Building’s four floors were designed to serve as a “mini convention center” for the industry operating year-round, said Nelson Algaze, chief executive of SAA Interiors + Architecture, which created the space.

From Los Angeles Times

Slash has become such a Halloween Horror Nights fixture that this year will feature a bar centered around the artist, one complete with a mini top hat as a dessert.

From Los Angeles Times

An activity centre for babies and toddlers, an Indian restaurant, an indoor golf centre – and a mini experimental steel plant.

From BBC

A mini fridge was handy, though microwaves weren’t available for reheating leftovers.

From Salon

Related Words

• cramped 
• limited 
• meager 
• microscopic 
• miniature 
• minuscule 
• modest 
• narrow 
• paltry 
• poor 
• short 
• slight 
• small-scale 
• young 

When To Use

What does mini- mean?

Mini- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “small,” "limited," or "short." It is often used in a variety of everyday and technical terms, especially in fashion.Mini- comes from a shortening of the terms miniature, minimal, or minimum, all expressing small size or a low limit. Minimum comes from Latin minimus, meaning "smallest" or "least." Related to this root is Latin minor, meaning “smaller,” which was borrowed into English as minor, meaning “lesser in size.” Find out more at our entry for each word.