1
2
a
: large in number or measure : numerous
great multitudes
b
: predominant
the great majority
3
: remarkable in magnitude, degree, or effectiveness
great bloodshed
4
—used as a generalized term of approval
had a great time
It was just great.
5
a
: eminent, distinguished
a great poet
b
: aristocratic, grand
great ladies
c
: chief or preeminent over others
—often used in titles
Lord Great Chamberlain
6
: markedly superior in character or quality
7
a
: remarkably skilled
great at tennis
b
: marked by enthusiasm : keen
great on science fiction
8
: more remote in a family relationship by a single generation than a specified relative
great-grandfather
9
: long continued
a great while
11
: full of emotion
great with anger
plural great or greats
: an outstandingly superior or skillful person
a tribute to the greats of baseball
Examples of great in a Sentence
Adjective
all creatures great and small
The project will require a great amount of time and money.
The building was restored at great expense.
a great quantity of fish
The low cost of these products gives them great appeal.
There is a very great need for reform.
They're in no great hurry to finish.
There is a great demand for his services.
an actress of great charm
Is there any love greater than that between parent and child?
Adverb
We had some problems at first, but now things are going just great.
Keep up the good work. You're doing great!
Recent Examples on the Web
Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 July 2025
This is a place where costumes do a lot of heavy lifting, and Cady is a great example, her wardrobe shows us what is happening to her inside.
—Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025
Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 July 2025
The breathable linen fabric is a lifesaver on hot days, yet has just enough weight to wear in shoulder seasons as well; on cooler evenings, this maxi dress looks great layered under a cropped sweater.
—Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 19 July 2025
Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 21 July 2025
This biography examines the controversial life of artist Paul Gaugin, whose work would later inspire greats like Vincent Van Gogh and Henri Matisse.
—Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 19 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for great
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Adjective
This is a great UFC fight card that will not disappoint; make sure to tune in and catch all the action.
—Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 July 2025
This is a place where costumes do a lot of heavy lifting, and Cady is a great example, her wardrobe shows us what is happening to her inside.
—Rachel Elspeth Gross, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025
Adverb
Boasting a light sweetness and plenty of texture, these bites work great straight from the bag or tossed into a reusable container to keep sand out.
—Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 July 2025
The breathable linen fabric is a lifesaver on hot days, yet has just enough weight to wear in shoulder seasons as well; on cooler evenings, this maxi dress looks great layered under a cropped sweater.
—Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 19 July 2025
Noun
In the documentary, entertainment greats like Belafonte and Smokey Robinson talk about the influence of Sullivan’s show, and through a recreation of Ed Sullivan’s voice, Sunday Best features Sullivan’s comments on racial issues over the years, verbatim from his letters, articles, and columns.
—Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 21 July 2025
This biography examines the controversial life of artist Paul Gaugin, whose work would later inspire greats like Vincent Van Gogh and Henri Matisse.
—Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 19 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for great
Cite this Entry
“Great.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/great. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
great
1 of 3 adjective
ˈgrāt 
in South also ˈgre(ə)t
1
: large in size : not small or little
2
: large in number : numerous
a great crowd
3
: long continued
a great while
4
: beyond the average or ordinary
a great weight
in great pain
5
: distinguished, prominent
a great artist
6
: more distant in relationship by one generation
7
: superior in quality or character
8
: remarkable in skill
great at tennis
9
—used as a term of general approval
had a great time
greatly
adverb
greatness
noun
great
2 of 3 adverb
: in a great manner : successfully, well
great
3 of 3 noun
plural great or greats
: an outstandingly superior or skillful person
the greats of baseball
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