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
Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
This is a great UFC Fight Night that will not disappoint; make sure to tune in and catch all the action.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Apr. 2025
James Pearce, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
Made from a premium chenille material, this blanket is plush and warm, but will also look great draped over a chair or the couch, thanks to its thick, knitted texture.
—Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 28 Mar. 2025
Quentin Thane Singer, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Other pictures of Denis Law, George Best and various Old Trafford greats adorn the walls.
—Daniel Taylor, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for great
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Adjective
Cancer, a disease that doesn’t discriminate and spares no one from its reach, has long been one of humanity’s greatest adversaries.
—Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
This is a great UFC Fight Night that will not disappoint; make sure to tune in and catch all the action.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Apr. 2025
Adverb
Mohamed Salah has signed a new two-year Liverpool contract, ending a years-long saga and securing the future of an all-time Premier League great.
—James Pearce, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
Made from a premium chenille material, this blanket is plush and warm, but will also look great draped over a chair or the couch, thanks to its thick, knitted texture.
—Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 28 Mar. 2025
Noun
Ghost simply find the magic in the many amazing aspects from 80s arena rock greats and amalgamate it within their already robust songwriting.
—Quentin Thane Singer, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Other pictures of Denis Law, George Best and various Old Trafford greats adorn the walls.
—Daniel Taylor, New York Times, 25 Apr. 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 7 May. 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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