Definition of 'main'

Word Frequency

main

(meɪn )

Word forms: plural mains

1. adjective

The main thing is the most important one of several similar things in a particular situation.

...one of the main tourist areas of Amsterdam.

My main concern now is to protect the children.

What are the main differences and similarities between them?

Synonyms: chief, leading, major, prime More Synonyms of main

See in the main

3. countable noun [usually plural]

The mains are the pipes which supply gas or water to buildings, or which take sewage away from them.

...the water supply from the mains.

The capital has been without mains water since Wednesday night.

4. plural noun

The mains are the wires which supply electricity to buildings, or the place where the wires end inside the building.

[mainly British]

...amplifiers which plug into the mains.

Make sure plugs are disconnected from the mains.

It is mains or battery powered.

More Synonyms of main

Video: pronunciation of
main

main in British English 1

(meɪn )

adjective (prenominal)

chief or principal in rank, importance, size, etc

sheer or utmost (esp in the phrase by main force)

3. nautical

of, relating to, or denoting any gear, such as a stay or sail, belonging to the mainmast

4. obsolete

significant or important

noun

a principal pipe, conduit, duct, or line in a system used to distribute water, electricity, etc

6. (plural)

the main distribution network for water, gas, or electricity

(as modifier)

mains voltage

the chief or most important part or consideration

great strength or force ( now chiefly in the phrase (with) might and main)

9. literary

the open ocean

10. archaic short for Spanish Main

11. archaic short for mainland

12. in the main

Word origin

C13: from Old English mægen strength

Word Frequency

main in British English 2

(meɪn )

noun

a throw of the dice in dice games

a cockfighting contest

a match in archery, boxing, etc

Word origin

C16: of unknown origin

Word Frequency

Main in British English

(meɪn , German main)

noun

a river in central and W Germany, flowing west through Würzburg and Frankfurt to the Rhine. Length: about 515 km (320 miles)

Word Frequency

Main in American English

(maɪn ; E meɪn )

river in SW Germany, flowing west into the Rhine at Mainz: 307 mi (494 km)

Word origin

G < Gaul Moenus < IE *moin-, river name < base *mei-, to go, wander > L meare, to go

Word Frequency

main in American English

(meɪn )

noun

physical strength; force; power

now only in with might and main, with all one's strength

the principal or most important part or point

usually in the phrase in the main, mostly, chiefly

a principal pipe, conduit, or line in a distribution system for water, gas, electricity, etc.

4. OLD-FASHIONED, Poetic

the high, or open, sea; ocean

5. Archaic

the mainland

Example sentences including
main

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Rooms are in the main building or an annexe.This needs to become one of the main selling points for engineering companies.What will be your main focus areas this year?There are two main reasons for this.There are three main theories about why this is.The main thing was not to leave clues in the first place.The main problem is that it leads you somewhere then it all goes a bit opaque.They are one of our main rivals and very tough.Yet the car can also be plugged into the mains and charged overnight.The gift shop in the main building is tucked away down the stairs.