SKIP TO CONTENT

mint condition

/ˈmɪnt kənˈdɪʃən/
IPA guide

If someone’s 18-year-old car is in mint condition, it has been very well taken care of and is still almost as good as new. Anyone looking at it would think it was new (except that it's probably out of style).

The term mint condition originated in the field of numismatics — the study and collection of coins. A mint is a place where coins are made for use as currency. A freshly minted coin was described as being "in mint condition" — free of the scratches, dents, or wear that comes from being in circulation. All kinds of other things might now be described as being in mint condition: stamps, bicycles, clocks, books, cars, etc. Ironically, however, it usually refers to things that are used, not brand new, but that have been kept in near-perfect condition.

Definitions of mint condition
  1. noun
    the state of being almost as good as new
Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago

Copy citation
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘mint condition'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family