Definition of great
1a : notably large in size : huge all creatures great and smallb : of a kind characterized by relative largeness —used in plant and animal names the great horned owlc : elaborate, ample great detail
2a : large in number or measure : numerous great multitudesb : predominant the great majority
3 : remarkable in magnitude, degree, or effectiveness great bloodshed
4 : full of emotion great with anger
5a : eminent, distinguished a great poetb : chief or preeminent over others —often used in titles Lord Great Chamberlainc : aristocratic, grand great ladies
6 : long continued a great while
8 : more remote in a family relationship by a single generation than a specified relative great-grandfather
greatness
nounIndulge Your Inner Word Nerd
Examples of great in a Sentence
all creatures great and small
The project will require a great amount of time and money.
The building was restored at great expense.
a great quantity of fish
The low cost of these products gives them great appeal.
There is a very great need for reform.
They're in no great hurry to finish.
There is a great demand for his services.
an actress of great charm
Is there any love greater than that between parent and child?
Recent Examples of great from the Web
-
The riders were demanding greater protection, following an increase in the number of acid attacks in the capital.
-
Chuck Ricks was an art teacher at Griffith High School for many years, and his wife was a great supporter of the arts, according to their daughter.
-
Get more great content like this delivered right to you!
-
The greatest trick any politician can pull off is to get his self-interest and his principles in perfect alignment.
-
Cimarusti respects the pristine state of great fish so much that any additional ingredient has to earn the right to be on the plate.
-
At one point earlier this year, the owners listed the property at 9450 SE 112th Street for $1.475 million — almost three times what the Buffalo Bills great paid for it in September 2000.
-
Donald Trump has never had a great history with approval polls, and the most recent one out from ABC News and The Washington Post finds his numbers at yet another historic low.
-
Disney just announced the cast of its upcoming Aladdin remake, and Will Smith, previously reported as being in talks for the part, was confirmed as the new Genie, stepping into one of the late, great Robin Williams' signature roles.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'great.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of great
Middle English grete, from Old English grēat; akin to Old High German grōz large
Examples of great in a Sentence
We had some problems at first, but now things are going just great.
Keep up the good work. You're doing great!
Origin and Etymology of great
see 1great
great
Definition of great
great
orgreats
: an outstandingly superior or skillful person a tribute to the greats of baseball
Recent Examples of great from the Web
-
The book, a miniature homage to mid-century modern's greats, was inspired after a visit to Palms Springs Modernism Week, the designers told Dwell.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'great.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of great
see 1great
GREAT Defined for English Language Learners
great
Definition of great for English Language Learners
-
: very well
great
Definition of great for English Language Learners
-
: a very successful or admired person
GREAT Defined for Kids
great
playDefinition of great for Students
greater
;greatest
1 : very large in size : huge a great mountain
2 : large in amount a great crowd
3 : 1long 2 a great while
4 : much beyond the ordinary a great success
5 : important 1, distinguished a great artist
6 : very talented or successful She's great at diving.
7 : very good We had a great time.
greatly
adverb He's greatly admired.Learn More about great
-
See words that rhyme with great Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for great Spanish Central: Translation of great Nglish: Translation of great for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of great for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up great? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!