Main Definition & Meaning

main
adjective
  1. most important element; "the chief aim of living"; "the main doors were of solid glass"; "the principal rivers of America"; "the principal example"; "policemen were primary targets"; "the master bedroom"; "a master switch"
  2. (of a clause) capable of standing syntactically alone as a complete sentence; "the main (or independent) clause in a complex sentence has at least a subject and a verb"
  3. of force; of the greatest possible intensity; "by main strength"
noun
  1. any very large body of (salt) water
  2. a principal pipe in a system that distributes water or gas or electricity or that collects sewage

Synonyms for main

briny adj

slightly salty (especially from containing a mixture of seawater and fresh water); "a brackish lagoon

♫ Rhymes
chief adj

most important element; "the chief aim of living"; "the main doors were of solid glass

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms
independent adj

free from external control and constraint; "an independent mind"; "a series of independent judgments

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms
primary adj

of first rank or importance or value; direct and immediate rather than secondary; "primary goals"; "a primary effect

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms
principal adj

most important element; "the chief aim of living"; "the main doors were of solid glass

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms

"Main" in song lyrics

See how main is used in real songs:

  • "center the tone into the domain, no main"
  • "On another application explaining the main"
    Asher Roth f/ Miguel — His Dream
  • "we in the game, whether you know the name, me and my main"
    The A-Team (Aceyalone & Abstract Rude) — Who Framed the A-Team?

Words that rhyme with main

See all rhymes for main →

Usage tips for "main"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "main" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for main to find words that pair well.

Use "main" in a verse

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♫ Rhymes with main ↔ Synonyms for main 🔬 Words containing main

Frequently asked questions

What does main mean?
most important element; "the chief aim of living"; "the main doors were of solid glass"; "the principal rivers of America"; "the principal example"; "policemen were primary targets"; "the master bedroom"; "a master switch" (of a clause) capable of standing syntactically alone as a complete sentence; "the main (or independent) clause in a complex sentence has at least a subject and a verb" of force; of the greatest possible intensity
What part of speech is main?
Main is an adjective and a noun.
How many definitions does main have?
Main has 5 definitions across 2 parts of speech (adjective, noun).

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