Meaning
Of chief or leading importance; prime, principal.
Etymology
Origin: Old English
From Middle English mayn, main, maine, mæin, meyn, from main (noun) (see further at etymology 2); compare Old English mæġen (“strong, main, principal”) (used in combination) and Old Norse megn, megenn (“strong, main”). The word is cognate with Old High German megīn (“strong, mighty”) (modern German Möge, Vermögen (“power, wealth”)), and also akin to Old English magan (“to be able to”). See also may.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
altdependent
NYT Puzzle Appearances
Accepted in 32 recorded puzzles:
- 2026-09-05MACGIKN
- 2026-08-14MADGINT
- 2026-07-25IAMNOTZ
- 2026-06-23AIJMNRU
- 2026-06-04MANIDLT
- 2026-05-28AGIJMNU
- 2026-05-15MANGCIP
- 2026-04-19MATLINU
- 2026-03-26IADLMNO
- 2026-03-01MAFGINR
- 2026-02-26IATMNYC
- 2026-02-21MACINOT
+20 earlier appearances in the archive.