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Definition of mains

mains

/meɪnz/
mains
Plural:mains
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mains Lexical Profile

mains Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

British The principal pipes or cables through which public utilities such as water, gas, or electricity are distributed to buildings.

Example

"The plumber had to turn off the water at the mains before repairing the burst pipe."

2

The principal courses of a meal, typically served after the appetizers or starters (plural of 'main').

Example

"After finishing our starters, we waited twenty minutes for the mains to arrive at the table."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for mains

Word Nuance & Usage

In British English, 'mains' (referring to public utility supplies) is frequently used with a singular or plural verb and often functions as a noun adjunct, as in 'mains electricity' or 'mains water'.

• Rhymes for mains

• Nearby Words

mainline
mainly
mainmast
mains
mainsail
mainspring
mainstage

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Mains. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/mains
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