How to Pronounce Main

To pronounce "main", say MAIN — one syllable, IPA /meɪn/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

main

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

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1

Syllable

4

Letters

/meɪn/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “main”

"main" is a single-syllable word — say it in one clean beat. It rhymes with ascertain and disdain, if that helps it stick.

Sounds exactly like: maine, mayne, mane, meyn — easy to mix up when writing.

What does main mean?

verb

  1. Short for mainline.
  2. To mainly play a specific character, or side, during a game.

    “He mains the same character as me in that game.”

adjective

  1. Of chief or leading importance; prime, principal.
  2. Chief, most important, or principal in extent, size, or strength; consisting of the largest part.

    “main timbers  main branch of a river  main body of an army”

adverb

  1. Exceedingly, extremely, greatly, mightily, very, very much.

Synonyms

largest

Hear “main” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with main

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

ascertaindisdainsustaininanemundanestrainattainprofaneplainbaneretaindomain

Related words

principalprimaryimportantindependentchiefintensebrinyprime

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "main"?▾

"Main" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "main"?▾

The IPA transcription of "main" is /meɪn/.

What does "main" mean?▾

Main: Short for mainline.

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