main

1 of 2

noun

1
: physical strength : force
used in the phrase with might and main
The next instant we were away down the river, clawing with might and main to keep out of the woods.Mark Twain
2
a
b
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
5
a
b

main

2 of 2

adjective

1
: chief, principal
the main idea
2
: fully exerted : sheer
main force
by main strength
3
obsolete : of or relating to a broad expanse (as of sea)
4
: connected with or located near the mainmast or mainsail
5
: expressing the chief predication in a complex sentence
the main clause

Examples of main in a Sentence

Noun My radio runs either off batteries or off the mains. Turn off the water at the mains. Adjective Speed is the main advantage of this approach. The company's main office is located in New York. driving down the main road This dish can be served as a main course or appetizer. And now for the main event of the evening!
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
The Great Lakes Water Authority has isolated a break in a water transmission main in Northville that occurred early Friday morning. Kylie Martin, Detroit Free Press, 23 Feb. 2024 Pair the meaty mains with spiced cracklins—crisped, fatty pork skin—and cornbread. Kayla Stewart, Bon Appétit, 23 Feb. 2024 See all Example Sentences for main 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'main.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

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 main entry 2 or by shortening — more at may entry 1

Adjective

Middle English, from Old English mǣgen-, from mǣgen strength

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of main was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near main

Cite this Entry

“Main.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/main. Accessed 5 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

main

1 of 2 noun
1
: physical strength : force
used in the phrase with might and main
2
3
: the chief part : essential point
they are in the main well trained
4
: a principal pipe or circuit of a utility system
gas main
water main

main

2 of 2 adjective
1
: chief entry 1 sense 2, principal
the main idea
2
: pure sense 3, sheer
by main force
3
: being a clause that is capable of standing alone as a simple sentence but is part of a larger sentence that includes a subordinate clause or another main clause
mainly adverb

Geographical Definition

Main

geographical name

ˈmīn How to pronounce Main (audio)
ˈmān
river 325 miles (523 kilometers) long in south central Germany rising in northern Bavaria in the Fichtelgebirge and flowing west into the Rhine River

More from Merriam-Webster on main

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