Principal Definition & Meaning

principal
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"
noun
  1. the original amount of a debt on which interest is calculated
  2. the educator who has executive authority for a school; "she sent unruly pupils to see the principal"
  3. an actor who plays a principal role
  4. capital as contrasted with the income derived from it
  5. (criminal law) any person involved in a criminal offense, regardless of whether the person profits from such involvement
  6. the major party to a financial transaction at a stock exchange; buys and sells for his own account

Synonyms for principal

chief adj

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

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms
corpus noun

capital as contrasted with the income derived from it a collection of writings

♫ Rhymes
dealer noun

someone who purchases and maintains an inventory of goods to be sold a firm engaged in trading a seller of illicit

♫ Rhymes
head noun

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms
lead noun

an advantage held by a competitor in a race

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms
main adj

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

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms
primary adj

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

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms
star adj

indicating the most important performer or role; "the leading man"; "prima ballerina"; "prima donna

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms

"Principal" in song lyrics

See how principal is used in real songs:

  • "Power is habitual, this you know is principal"
    Aceyalone — Bigger They Come
  • "Wave to the nurse, say hi to the principal"
    Apathy — School
  • "Mr. Glue, principal"
    Atoms Family — Small Violins

Words that rhyme with principal

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Usage tips for "principal"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "principal" 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 principal to find words that pair well.

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

Frequently asked questions

What does principal 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" the original amount of a debt on which interest is calculated the educator who has executive authority for a school
What part of speech is principal?
Principal is an adjective and a noun.
How many definitions does principal have?
Principal has 7 definitions across 2 parts of speech (adjective, noun).

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