First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1main
noun \ˈmān\
: the largest pipe in a system of connected pipes
the mains : the system of pipes or wires for electricity, gas, or water
: the place where electricity, gas, or water enters a building or room
Full Definition of MAIN
1
: physical strength : force —used in the phrase with might and main
3
: the chief part : essential point <they are in the main well-trained>
4
: a pipe, duct, or circuit which carries the combined flow of tributary branches of a utility system
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Origin of MAIN
in sense 1, from Middle English, from Old English mǣgen; akin to Old High German magan strength, Old English magan to be able; in other senses, from 2main or by shortening — more at may
Rhymes with MAIN
ain, Aisne, ane, Bain, bane, blain, brain, cane, chain, crane, deign, drain, fain, fane, feign, gain, grain, Kane, lane, Lane, mane, pain, Paine, pane, plain, plane, quean, rain, reign, rein, sain, sane, seine, Seine, skein, Spain, sprain, stain, strain, swain, thane, thegn, train, twain, Twain, vain, vane, vein, wain, wane, Wayne
2main
adjective
: most important
Full Definition of MAIN
2
: fully exerted : sheer <main force> <by main strength>
3
obsolete : of or relating to a broad expanse (as of sea)
5
: expressing the chief predication in a complex sentence <the main clause>
See main defined for English-language learners
Origin of MAIN
Middle English, from Old English mǣgen-, from mǣgen strength
First Known Use: 15th century
Related to MAIN
- Synonyms
- arch, big, capital, cardinal, central, chief, dominant, first, grand, great, greatest, highest, key, leading, foremost, master, number one (also No. 1), numero uno, overbearing, overmastering, overriding, paramount, predominant, preeminent, premier, primal, primary, principal, prior, sovereign (also sovran), supreme
Main
geographical name \ˈmīn, ˈmān\
Definition of MAIN
river 325 miles (523 kilometers) S cen Germany rising in N Bavaria in the Fichtelgebirge & flowing W into the Rhine
MAIN Defined for Kids
1main
adjective \ˈmān\
Definition of MAIN for Kids
: first in size, rank, or importance : chief <Go in the main entrance.> <What's the main reason?>
— main·ly adverb
2main
noun
Definition of MAIN for Kids
1
: the chief part : essential point <The new workers are in the main well trained.>
2
: a principal line, tube, or pipe of a utility system <water main> <gas main>
3
4
: physical strength : force <So they stood … both shoving with might and main … — Mark Twain, Tom Sawyer>
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