Word
mains
US/ˈmeɪnz/
UK/mˈeɪnz/
Definitions
01utility supply
B2 · Upper Intermediate Plural noun British English
n. the system of pipes or wires that brings electricity, water, or gas into a house.
n. the domestic electrical, water, or gas supply system, typically connected to a public network or grid.
“The house is not connected to the water mains, so they use a well.”
“A burst water main caused significant flooding in the city centre, leaving thousands of residents without a reliable supply for several hours.”
02main courses
B1 · Intermediate Plural noun Cooking Informal
n. the largest or most important part of a meal.
n. the primary courses of a meal, served after starters and before desserts.
“We ordered two mains and a side of vegetables to share.”
“The restaurant offers a diverse selection of mains, ranging from traditional roasted meats to innovative plant-based options.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
03electricity supply
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun British English
n. the electricity that comes from a wall socket rather than a battery.
n. the public electricity supply as distinguished from battery power.
“You can run this radio off the mains or use four batteries.”
“The device features an internal rechargeable battery, though it performs more efficiently when connected directly to the mains.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Usage
Usually plural when referring to utility infrastructure; can be singular or plural when referring to courses in a meal.
Etymology
Related to manse.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/mains