26984 words

main

9 definitions • 20 examples
1
larger, more important, or having more influence than others of the same type:

Examples:

The main thing is not to worry.
One of the main reasons I came to England was to study the language.
You'll find the main points of my proposal in the report.
Our main aim/objective is to improve the company's productivity.
The main problem is a lack of resources.
My main concern about moving to San Fransisco is the cost of housing.
2
a large pipe that carries water or gas, or a wire carrying electricity, from one place to another, to which a house can be connected:

Examples:

a gas main
The severe cold caused a water main to burst and flood the street.
3
the system of pipes or wires that carry water or electricity into a house, or the pipes that carry sewage away from a house:

Examples:

The house isn't on the mains.
4
the place at which outside pipes or wires carrying water, electricity, etc. connect with the system inside a house or building:

Examples:

Switch off the electricity at the mains before starting work.
5
the largest or most important part of a meal when the different parts of the meal are served separately:

Examples:

We each had different entrees and different mains.
For my main, I went with the tiger prawn penne pasta.
6

Examples:

Her friends are teachers in the main.
7
most important or larger:

Examples:

The main thing is to keep calm and don’t get angry.
The main social event of the summer was a dance and reception.
8
a large pipe that is part of the system carrying water or gas from one place to another:

Examples:

A water main burst and flooded the street.
9
biggest or most important:

Examples:

The report identified three main areas for improvement.
Please go to the reception desk at the main entrance.
British Airways, the company's main rival, had also seen an improvement .
the main problem/reason/objective

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