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
Synonyms
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
Bethany Thayer, Detroit Free Press, 21 Dec. 2024
This is also a great time to ask their preferences on a midweek linen restock or launder.
—Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Dec. 2024
Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 5 Dec. 2024
Dodgers Robert Vargas began Fernando Valenzuela mural on the day the Dodgers great died.
—Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2024
Daniela Avila, People.com, 10 Dec. 2024
The Tony winner transforms into Satchmo in this astounding tour de force, which also features exuberant choreography and a splendid quartet of women playing the jazz great's wives.
—Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 28 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for great 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Adjective
This season of sweet treats is a great time to make a fast snack that’s delicious and full of nutrients like protein, potassium, magnesium and iron.
—Bethany Thayer, Detroit Free Press, 21 Dec. 2024
This is also a great time to ask their preferences on a midweek linen restock or launder.
—Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Dec. 2024
Adverb
On Pete Hegseth and John Tower; the Crusades and ‘God wills it’; a late Michigan great; and more
The nomination of Pete Hegseth to be secretary of defense, and the controversies surrounding that nomination, have made some of us think back to the Tower nomination.
—Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 5 Dec. 2024
Dodgers Robert Vargas began Fernando Valenzuela mural on the day the Dodgers great died.
—Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2024
Noun
The album celebrated tradition and nostalgia with beloved holiday standards by greats like Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole and Paul McCartney.
—Daniela Avila, People.com, 10 Dec. 2024
The Tony winner transforms into Satchmo in this astounding tour de force, which also features exuberant choreography and a splendid quartet of women playing the jazz great's wives.
—Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 28 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for great
Articles Related to great
Dictionary Entries Near great
Cite this Entry
“Great.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/great. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share