great

noun

plural great or greats
Synonyms of greatnext
: an outstandingly superior or skillful person
a tribute to the greats of baseball

Examples of great in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
College of DuPage is inviting visitors to walk among the greats of American culture this summer in a free outdoor art exhibition that ties into the 250th anniversary of the country’s founding. Annie Alleman, Chicago Tribune, 5 June 2026 The album teams with moments like this, bits where the music might evoke a modern homespun permutation of greats like Daryl Hall and John Oates or even Prince, and the lyrics add new wrinkles to classic pop heartbreak. Jon Dolan, Rolling Stone, 4 June 2026 However, the streak elevated his name among some club greats, sharing the record with Mark McGwire and passing other A’s legends like Jimmie Foxx and Rickey Henderson. Sean Campbell, Sacbee.com, 3 June 2026 Jalen Brunson could earn a spot in the pantheon of Knicks greats. Austin Elias-De Jesus, New Yorker, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for great

Word History

Etymology
First Known Use

1916, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of great was in 1916

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Great.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/great. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

great

1 of 3 adjective
ˈgrāt How to pronounce great (audio)
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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