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maxi

1 American  
[mak-see] / ˈmæk si /

noun

plural

maxis

  1. maxiskirt.

  2. a garment having a maxiskirt, as a coat.

  3. of the length of a maxiskirt; having a maxiskirt.

maxi- 2 American  

  1. a combining form with the meanings “very large in comparison with others of its kind” (maxi-budget; maxi-taxi ); “of great scope or intensity” (maxi-devaluation; maxi-service ); (of clothing) “long, nearly ankle-length” (maxicoat; maxiskirt ).

maxi British  
/ ˈmæksɪ /

adjective

    1. (of a garment) reaching the ankle

    2. ( as noun )

      she wore a maxi

    3. ( in combination )

      a maxidress
"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

noun

  1. a type of large racing yacht

"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

Usage

What does maxi- mean? Maxi- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “very large” or "of great scope or intensity." It is occasionally used in a variety of everyday terms, especially in fashion.Maxi- comes from a shortening of maximal or maximum, meaning "greatest possible." The word maximum comes from Latin maximus, the superlative form of magnus, meaning "great" or "large." This Latin word is also related to the root of the terms maxim, "an expression of a general truth or principle," and major “greater in size.” Learn more at our entries for maxim and major.

Etymology

Origin of maxi1

1965–70; shortening of maxiskirt, or independent use of maxi-

Origin of maxi-2

Shortening of maximal or maximum, by analogy with mini-

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“Every single day I was on it, all day long,” the Chico, Calif., woman said Thursday, her voice tremulous and her cheeks flushed to the color of her rose maxi dress.

From Los Angeles Times

Some of the designs wouldn't have looked out of place on the Wuthering Heights set, including their satin corsets and full-skirted maxi dresses.

From BBC

But she gives tartan a fresh look by using it in modern outfits like maxi dresses and matching sets, and by layering tartan skirts over jeans.

From BBC

In August's print edition of Vogue, a Guess advert features a flawless blonde model showing off a striped maxi dress and a floral playsuit from the brand's summer collection.

From BBC

As Gracie Abrams roamed the Greek Theatre stage Monday, the pit dwellers’ outstretched arms resembled flames licking the hem of her sheer black maxi skirt.

From Los Angeles Times

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.