minimum wage

¹

noun

1. the lowest wage payable to employees in general or to designated employees as fixed by law or by union agreement.

minimum-wage

²

[ min-uh-muhm-weyj ]

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.

minimum wage

noun

1. the lowest wage that an employer is permitted to pay by law or union contract

minimum wage

1. The lowest legal hourly wage .

Word History and Origins

Origin of minimum wage¹

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

Doane Liu, executive director of the City Tourism Department, warned the council the report understated the impact the proposed increases to the minimum wage would have on the prices of hotel room rates.

From Los Angeles Times

California is also expecting new costs associated with a $25 minimum wage increase for healthcare workers.

From Los Angeles Times

Their labor is for the most part barely compensated, at rates far below minimum wage.

From Los Angeles Times

It comes as an increasing number of firms warn that the tax rises and the higher minimum wage announced in the Budget could lead them to increase prices for customers.

From BBC

Californians, who have historically supported efforts to raise the minimum wage, were not swayed this time around.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• living wage