Definition of "mains" in English

noun

1. plural of main

noun

1. (chiefly British) The domestic electrical power supply, especially as connected to a network or grid.

   • I plugged it into the mains and it blew up!
   • We don't have mains power out here, only a generator.
   • mains electricity, mains voltage

2. (chiefly British) A large-scale network or grid supplying any of various other services, such as water, gas or sewerage, to properties.

   • We have gas heating, but it's bottled gas, not mains gas.
   • The properties formerly relied on a well, but are now connected to the mains water supply.

3. The main course of a meal.

verb

1. third-person singular simple present indicative of main

noun

1. (Scotland) The farm attached to a mansion house.