1
2
a
: large in number or measure : numerous
great multitudes
b
: predominant
the great majority
3
: remarkable in magnitude, degree, or effectiveness
great bloodshed
4
—used as a generalized term of approval
had a great time
It was just great.
5
a
: eminent, distinguished
a great poet
b
: aristocratic, grand
great ladies
c
: chief or preeminent over others
—often used in titles
Lord Great Chamberlain
6
: markedly superior in character or quality
7
a
: remarkably skilled
great at tennis
b
: marked by enthusiasm : keen
great on science fiction
8
: more remote in a family relationship by a single generation than a specified relative
great-grandfather
9
: long continued
a great while
11
: full of emotion
great with anger
plural great or greats
: an outstandingly superior or skillful person
a tribute to the greats of baseball
Examples of great in a Sentence
Adjective
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?
Adverb
We had some problems at first, but now things are going just great.
Keep up the good work. You're doing great!
Recent Examples on the Web
Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025
This is a great day to schmooze with friends and members of groups and organizations.
—Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 7 July 2025
Gillian Telling, People.com, 7 July 2025
The Hall of Famer and former Big Red Machine great appeared as the first-base coach at the Bananas' game at Ballpark of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, Florida, in April 2022.
—Grace Tucker, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 9 July 2025
There were cooking demonstrations, competitions hosted by famous NOLA natives, and plenty of insightful conversations led by greats, including Queen Afua, Chef Nina Compton, and more.
—Essence, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for great
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Adjective
This is a great NBA Summer League matchup; make sure to tune in and catch all the action.
—Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025
This is a great day to schmooze with friends and members of groups and organizations.
—Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 7 July 2025
Adverb
The reggae great died from complications of cancer in 1981, at the age of 36.
—Gillian Telling, People.com, 7 July 2025
The Hall of Famer and former Big Red Machine great appeared as the first-base coach at the Bananas' game at Ballpark of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, Florida, in April 2022.
—Grace Tucker, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
Noun
Most of the greats have performed at this magnificent amphitheatre, from W.G. Grace and Garfield Sobers through to Fred Trueman and Michael Holding.
—Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 9 July 2025
There were cooking demonstrations, competitions hosted by famous NOLA natives, and plenty of insightful conversations led by greats, including Queen Afua, Chef Nina Compton, and more.
—Essence, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for great
Cite this Entry
“Great.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/great. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
great
1 of 3 adjective
ˈgrāt 
in South also ˈgre(ə)t
1
: large in size : not small or little
2
: large in number : numerous
a great crowd
3
: long continued
a great while
4
: beyond the average or ordinary
a great weight
in great pain
5
: distinguished, prominent
a great artist
6
: more distant in relationship by one generation
7
: superior in quality or character
8
: remarkable in skill
great at tennis
9
—used as a term of general approval
had a great time
greatly
adverb
greatness
noun
great
2 of 3 adverb
: in a great manner : successfully, well
great
3 of 3 noun
plural great or greats
: an outstandingly superior or skillful person
the greats of baseball
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