Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

mains

American  
[meynz] / meɪnz /

noun

(used with a singular verb)
  1. the main or home farm of a manor, as where the ownerlives; manse.


Etymology

Origin of mains

1425–75; late Middle English, plural of main, aphetic variant of Middle English demain, demeine demesne

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"We know this is hitting people in our rural communities hard and families who rely on heating oil don't have the same protections as those on mains gas."

From BBC • Apr. 29, 2026

As we get into our larger parachutes, like the drogues and the mains, we have a lighter-weight nylon ... not unlike what you might build a tent out of, or an old-school windbreaker.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

When the family moved into their home 11 years ago it was only configured to use oil for heating since there were no gas mains nearby.

From BBC • Mar. 19, 2026

Bring your favorite sides, salads, mains or desserts.

From Salon • Mar. 15, 2026

I told him three mains would be enough, but he winked and said money was not a problem.

From "Educated" by Tara Westover

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "mains" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com