noun
Uncommon
mains
maynz
Mains (noun) means the main electrical power supply connected to the public grid. Example: “The freezer runs off the mains, not a battery.”
noun
1
The main electrical power supply connected to the public grid.
"mains electricity, mains voltage"
"I plugged it into the mains and it blew up!"
"The freezer runs off the mains, not a battery."
"We don't have mains power out here, only a generator."
2
The main course of a meal (British usage).
"For mains, I'll have the roast chicken."
How to use mains
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe public electricity/gas/water supply, or (in the UK) the main dish of a meal.
UK vs US
Calling the main course of a meal "mains" is standard in British English; Americans usually just say "main course" or "entrée."
Common pairings
mains electricity
mains water
order mains
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Word forms
Fill the gap
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The freezer runs off the _____, not a battery.
Etymology
Related to the plural of main, and to "manse."
Rhymes for mains
See all rhymes for mains →Frequently asked questions
What does “mains” mean?
The word “mains” means the main electrical power supply connected to the public grid. In plain terms, the public electricity/gas/water supply, or (in the UK) the main dish of a meal.
How do you pronounce “mains”?
“Mains” is pronounced maynz (/meɪnz/ in IPA).
How do you use “mains” in a sentence?
Here is “mains” used in a sentence: “The freezer runs off the mains, not a battery.”
What part of speech is “mains”?
“Mains” is a noun.
Is “mains” a common word?
“Mains” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “mains” have?
“Mains” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the main electrical power supply connected to the public grid.
