主な定義と意味 | ブリタニカ辞典

Main Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary The Britannica Dictionary mobile search Home Ask the Editor Word of the Day Quizzes Core Vocabulary Browse the Dictionary × Britannica Homepage Ask the Editor Word of the Day Quizzes Core Vocabulary Browse the Dictionary The Britannica Dictionary main 9 ENTRIES FOUND: main (adjective) main (noun) main clause (noun) main drag (noun) main line (noun) main man (noun) main squeeze (noun) main street (noun) water main (noun) 1 main / ˈ meɪn/ adjective 1 main / ˈ meɪn/ adjective Britannica Dictionary definition of MAIN always used before a noun : most important : chief , principal the main idea/point the main goal/purpose Speed is the main advantage of this approach. The company's main office is located in New York. the novel's main character driving down the main road/highway the main gate/entrance This dish can be served as a main course or appetizer. And now for the main event of the evening! [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples — mainly adverb The reviews have been mainly [= mostly ] positive. a plant found mainly [= chiefly ] in coastal regions I don't like the plan, mainly because I think it's too expensive. The problems have been mainly minor ones. [=most of the problems have been minor ones] They depend mainly on/upon fish for food. [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples 2 main / ˈ meɪn/ noun plural mains 2 main / ˈ meɪn/ noun plural mains Britannica Dictionary definition of MAIN 1 [ count ] : the largest pipe in a system of connected pipes a gas main a water main [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples 2 the mains British a : the system of pipes or wires for electricity, gas, or water My radio runs either off batteries or off the mains . [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples — often used as mains before another noun We haven't had any mains water/electricity since the storm. [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples b : the place where electricity, gas, or water enters a building or room Turn off the water at the mains . [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples in the main : in general — used to say that a statement is true in most cases or at most times The workers are in the main very capable. [=most of the workers are very capable] The weather has in the main been quite good. [=has been quite good most of the time] [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples ASK THE EDITOR What are the plural forms of check-in , passerby , and spoonful ? See the answer » QUIZZES Vocabulary Quiz Test your word power Take the Quiz » Name That Thing Take our visual quiz Test Your Knowledge » WORD OF THE DAY ceramic : made of clay that has been heated to a high temperature to harden it Learn More » About Us & Legal Info Contact Us Privacy Notice Terms of Use Pronunciation Symbols Help d="M0 12c0 5.123 3.211 9.497 7.73 11.218-.11-.937-.227-2.482.025-3.566.217-.932 1.401-5.938 1.401-5.938s-.357-.715-.357-1.774c0-1.66.962-2.9 2.161-2.9 1.02 0 1.512.765 1.512 1.682 0 1.025-.653 2.557-.99 3.978-.281 1.189.597 2.159 1.769 2.159 2.123 0 3.756-2.239 3.756-5.471 0-2.861-2.056-4.86-4.991-4.86-3.398 0-5.393 2.549-5.393 5.184 0 1.027.395 2.127.889 2.726a.36.36 0 0 1 .083.343c-.091.378-.293 1.189-.332 1.355-.053.218-.173.265-.4.159-1.492-.694-2.424-2.875-2.424-4.627 0-3.769 2.737-7.229 7.892-7.229 4.144 0 7.365 2.953 7.365 6.899 0 4.117-2.595 7.431-6.199 7.431-1.211 0-2.348-.63-2.738-1.373 0 0-.599 2.282-.744 2.84-.282 1.084-1.064 2.456-1.549 3.235C9.584 23.815 10.77 24 12 24c6.627 0 12-5.373 12-12S18.627 0 12 0 0 5.373 0 12"> © 2026 Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.