main

Definitions

1. adjective

   Most important.

   Examples

   • The main office is one of the smaller rooms.
   • This is the main reason we are leaving early.
2. adjective

   Biggest or strongest in size or extent.

   Examples

   • The main road runs along the river.
   • The main branch of the river is wide.
   ≈largest
3. adjective

   In old use, great or powerful.

   Examples

   • The water ran with main force after the dam broke.
   • A main storm swept the coast that night.
4. adjective

   In old use, full or complete, as in main strength.

   Examples

   • Two guards pushed him out by main strength.
   • It took main effort to lift the fallen tree.
5. adjective

   On a ship, belonging to the biggest mast.

   Examples

   • The main sail was reefed as the wind picked up.
   • Sailors rushed to secure the main yard.
6. adverb

   In old use, very.

   Examples

   • I am main dry after that long walk.
   • It was main jolly to see everyone again.
7. verb

   In slang, to inject a drug into a vein, short for mainline.

   Examples

   • He was caught mainlining behind the old warehouse.
   • He admitted he had been mainlining for years.
8. verb

   In video games, to play one character or side most of the time.

   Examples

   • He mains the same character as me in that game.
   • Which race do you main in the game?
9. verb

   To make a road into a main road.

   Examples

   • The council suggested the district roads should be mained.
   • The county planned to main the old farm track.
10. adjective

    In some dialects, big or angry.

    Examples

    • He gave her a main look when she was late.
    • That is a main dog you have there.