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
Tom Layberger, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025
By many measures, Alonso was already the greatest home run hitter in Mets history.
—Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 2025
Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Aug. 2025
Though far from dogmatic, the overall politics don’t hold up great.
—Jesse David Fox, Vulture, 30 July 2025
Molly Barstein, Vogue, 12 Aug. 2025
With the seventh season focusing on all-time great Lewis Hamilton, this series isn’t slowing down.
—Skyler Trepel Published, EW.com, 10 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for great
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Adjective
There is no greater disparity in the polls than the Sooners checking in at No. 18 in the AP and being the best of the rest among the coaches who voted.
—Tom Layberger, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025
By many measures, Alonso was already the greatest home run hitter in Mets history.
—Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 2025
Adverb
Any greens work great here, but my family loves the crunchiness of iceberg and romaine here.
—Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Aug. 2025
Though far from dogmatic, the overall politics don’t hold up great.
—Jesse David Fox, Vulture, 30 July 2025
Noun
Stand-up lovers should be sure to snag seats at The Comedy Cellar in the West Village, where surprise drop-ins from comedy greats are common.
—Molly Barstein, Vogue, 12 Aug. 2025
With the seventh season focusing on all-time great Lewis Hamilton, this series isn’t slowing down.
—Skyler Trepel Published, EW.com, 10 Aug. 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 21 Aug. 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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