main

Pronunciation

• enPR: mān, IPA ^(key): /meɪn/
• SAMPA: /meIn/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

• Homophones: mane, Maine

Adjective

Positive main

Comparative none

Superlative none

1. (usually before a noun) The main thing is the most important or biggest one.

   They turned off the main road and saw a small house.

   There are many problems, but the main one is money.

   what was the main reason for war in Europe in 1914?

Synonyms

• chief
• key

Antonyms

• minor

Related words

• mainly

Noun

Singular main

Plural mains

1. (countable) A main is a large pipe or wire that carries gas, water, electricity, etc.

   A break in a water main has closed the road.