mains
|mains|
/meɪnz/
(main)
primary importance
Etymology
'main' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'mægen' (also found in Old Norse 'megin'), where the root meant 'strength' or 'power'.
'main' changed from Old English 'mægen' (meaning 'strength, power') into Middle English as 'main' meaning 'principal' or 'chief', and the plural form 'mains' later came to be used for principal pipes or supplies (e.g., 'water mains', 'the mains').
Initially, it meant 'strength' or 'power', but over time it evolved into the sense 'chief' or 'principal' and later into specific senses such as 'principal supply/pipe' and 'main course'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the principal supply of electricity, gas, or water to a building or area (often referred to as 'the mains').
The lights went out because the mains had failed.
Synonyms
Noun 2
a main pipe, cable, or trunk line in a distribution system (e.g., water mains, gas mains).
They had to dig up the road to repair a leak in the water mains.
Synonyms
Noun 3
informal plural: the main course(s) offered as part of a meal (on a menu).
For mains I chose the roast chicken.
Synonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2026/01/07 12:02