Mark Twain
Synonyms
Noun
Adjective
Examples of main in a Sentence
Nina Moskowitz, Bon Appétit, 27 Oct. 2023
Any hearty or savory main will go well with the simple yet bright nature of this corn dish.
—Jasmine Smith, Southern Living, 10 Sep. 2023
The satisfying mains below all contain less than 500 milligrams of sodium per serving, with half containing less that 350 mg.
—Anna Luisa Rodriguez, Washington Post, 18 Oct. 2023
Menu items include burrata with mushrooms; roasted cauliflower with dates and turmeric; pizzas, pastas, steaks; and other mains like lobster and fries and whole branzino.
—Sarah Blaskovich, Dallas News, 1 Sep. 2023
Potato Smiles for mains and Fig Melba for pudding
4.
—Daniel Rodgers, Vogue, 10 Oct. 2023
Victoria Beckham is posting thirst traps of David on main again.
—Philip Ellis, Men's Health, 17 June 2023
White Wine Type: Bold and Dry Best classic food pairings for this type of white wine: Cozy main dishes like roast turkey or chicken, creamy pasta and other starchy mains, higher-fat seafood, and hard cheeses.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Sep. 2023
Prime steaks are the centerpiece of the menu, though other mains include fancy classics like lobster thermidor and beef Wellington.
—Sarah Blaskovich, Dallas News, 3 Aug. 2023
Scott Gilbertson, WIRED, 25 Nov. 2023
As for York, her longtime main residence is a Mediterranean-style mansion directly overlooking Malibu’s bustling Pacific Coast Highway, originally purchased by Tom Petty way back in 1998.
—James McClain, Robb Report, 25 Nov. 2023
Prices: snacks and appetizers $6 to $28, main courses $22 to $36.
—Tom Sietsema, Washington Post, 24 Nov. 2023
His main goal in decorating the 25,000-square-foot space?
—Elise Taylor, Vogue, 24 Nov. 2023
Switching up the typical slasher plot lines, the two main characters start to switch bodies back-and-forth, confusing the killer's murderous intentions.
—Keith Langston, Peoplemag, 24 Nov. 2023
If convenience is your main focus, check out our slow cooker recipes.
—Southern Living Test Kitchen, Southern Living, 24 Nov. 2023
While there are a couple of new padel courts along with the 14 traditional tennis courts, there’s no sign of pickleball—even though the US has recently become the resort’s main market.
—Ann Abel, Forbes, 13 Nov. 2023
Infants born prematurely at Gaza’s main hospital are dying as the facility goes out of service.
—Elizabeth Both, NBC News, 13 Nov. 2023
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These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'main.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Noun
in sense 1, from Middle English, from Old English mǣgen; akin to Old High German magan strength, Old English magan to be able; in other senses, from main entry 2 or by shortening — more at may entry 1
Adjective
Middle English, from Old English mǣgen-, from mǣgen strength
Noun
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Adjective
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Phrases Containing main
Dictionary Entries Near main
Cite this Entry
“Main.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/main. Accessed 28 Nov. 2023.
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Kids Definition
main
2 of 2 adjective
Geographical Definition
Main
geographical name
More from Merriam-Webster on main
Nglish: Translation of main for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of main for Arabic Speakers
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