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

Mr Jenney's ability to pull together a mini game show in 60 seconds impresses the judges, while Mr Gamage's magic act also goes down well.

From BBC

They returned home from a three-game trip in a mini slump that left the Clippers seeking ways to break free of that malaise in which they lost all of those games.

From Los Angeles Times

Their mini one-city tour starts at Manchester Academy on Tuesday before visiting the Ritz, Albert Hall, Victoria Warehouse and Apollo.

From BBC

The prime minister said the Conservatives had produced "fourteen years of low growth" and Liz Truss' "mini Budget".

From BBC

Tourists love using the mini vehicles, which run on a 49cc scooter engine, to explore the city, he said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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