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adj

main

mayn
adj
1
Most important; primary or chief.
"The main reason he quit was the long commute."
"What is the main course tonight?"
noun
1
A large pipe carrying water, gas, or electricity to a network of buildings.
"A burst water main flooded the street."

How to Use Main

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe chief or most important one, or a supply pipe/cable feeding a whole area.

Common pairings
main reason main course water main gas main

Word Forms

more main comparative, mains plural, mains plural, most main superlative

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

The _____ reason he quit was the long commute.

Etymology

From Old English mægen ("strength, principal force"), related to the verb "may" in the sense of power or ability.

Rhymes for main

See all rhymes for main →
Definitions: FreeDict original editorial