main

main · adjective

imported

Definitions

adjective

  1. 1.

    Chief in size, extent, or importance; principal.

  2. 2.

    (Of a clause) capable of standing alone as a sentence.

  3. 3.

    A principal pipe or cable carrying water, gas, or electricity.

  4. 4.

    **(the main)** The open ocean (archaic/literary).

  5. 5.

    Physical strength or force (archaic).

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    in the main — On the whole; mostly.
  • •
    main course — The principal dish of a meal.
  • •
    main street — The principal street of a town.
  • •
    might and main — All one's power and strength.
  • •
    mainland — The main part of a country, excluding islands.
  • •
    mainframe — A large central computer.
  • •
    mainstream — The prevailing trend.

Related words

Antonyms: minor, secondary, subsidiary
See also: chief, mainly, major, primary, principal
Synonyms: chief, major, primary, principal

Etymology

From Old English mægen ("power, strength, force"), later influenced by Old Norse megin ("strength, main"). The adjective developed from the noun, originally meaning "powerful" or "strong."