major

ma-jor · adjective

imported

Definitions

adjective

  1. 1.

    Important, serious, or significant.

  2. 2.

    Greater in size, extent, or importance.

  3. 3.

    (In music) Based on a scale with semitones between the third and fourth, and seventh and eighth degrees.

  4. 4.

    A military rank above captain and below lieutenant colonel.

  5. 5.

    **(US)** A student's principal subject of study.

  6. 6.

    A major key or mode in music.

  7. 7.

    **(US)** Study as one's principal subject.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    major in — Study as one's main subject (US).
  • •
    major league — The highest professional level.
  • •
    major key — A musical key with a major scale.
  • •
    major operation — A significant surgical procedure.

Related words

Antonyms: insignificant, lesser, minor
See also: main, majority, minor, primary, significant
Synonyms: chief, main, principal, significant

Etymology

From Latin major ("greater"), comparative of magnus ("great"). Related to "magnitude," "magnificent," and "maximum." Entered English through Old French.