adj
major
MAYD-zhuh
adj
1
Of great importance, size, or seriousness.
"They made a major decision to relocate the whole team."
"She suffered major injuries in the crash."
noun
1
A military officer rank above captain and below lieutenant colonel.
"The major briefed the troops before dawn."
2
A student's main field of academic study.
"Her major was economics, with a minor in French."
verb
1
To specialize in a particular subject at college or university.
"He decided to major in computer science."
How to Use Major
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBig or important — or, as a noun, either a military rank or a chosen university subject.
Common pairings
major decision
major injury
major in
declare a major
Word Forms
more major comparative, majored past tense, Majors plural, Majors plural, majors singular, most major superlative
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They made a _____ decision to relocate the whole team.
Etymology
From Latin maior, comparative of magnus ("great, large"). A doublet of "mayor."