1
: involving, applicable to, or affecting the whole
2
: involving, relating to, or applicable to every member of a class, kind, or group
the general equation of a straight line
3
: not confined by specialization or careful limitation
a general outline
4
: belonging to the common nature of a group of like individuals : generic
the general characteristics of a species
5
a
: applicable to or characteristic of the majority of individuals involved : prevalent
the general opinion
b
: concerned or dealing with universal rather than particular aspects
6
: relating to, determined by, or concerned with main elements rather than limited details
bearing a general resemblance to the original
7
: holding superior rank or taking precedence over others similarly titled
the general manager
1
: something (such as a concept, principle, or statement) that involves or is applicable to the whole
2
3
archaic
: the general public : people
4
a
b
: a commissioned officer in the army, air force, or marine corps who ranks above a lieutenant general and whose insignia is four stars compare admiral
Synonyms
Examples of general in a Sentence
Adjective
They have issued a general warning.
The general consensus is that we should go ahead.
The witness was able to provide a very general description of the thief.
She began her talk with some general observations about the state of the industry.
The book provides a good general introduction to the subject.
My concerns are all general—nothing specific.
The details of the new plan are different, but it's based on the same general concept.
My general impression was that things were going well.
They were found in the same general area.
I'm going in the general direction of the store.
Recent Examples on the Web
Lily Kepner, Austin American-Statesman, 21 Nov. 2024
In general, a airline’s biggest spenders and most loyal customers board first.
—Suzanne Rowan Kelleher, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 21 Nov. 2024
His character’s blood, not to mention blood lines, start boiling over after the death of his wife in an attack led by Roman general Marcus Acacius (Pedro Pascal) on Lucius’ home turf.
—Randy Myers, The Mercury News, 19 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for general 
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Adjective
HBCUs in general have reportedly been receiving more attention from Black students amid an end to affirmative action and diversity, equity and inclusion offices in states such as Texas.
—Lily Kepner, Austin American-Statesman, 21 Nov. 2024
In general, a airline’s biggest spenders and most loyal customers board first.
—Suzanne Rowan Kelleher, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
Noun
While Shostakovich was at work on the Fifth, one of his highest-ranking supporters, the Soviet general Mikhail Tukhachevsky, had been executed.
—Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 21 Nov. 2024
His character’s blood, not to mention blood lines, start boiling over after the death of his wife in an attack led by Roman general Marcus Acacius (Pedro Pascal) on Lucius’ home turf.
—Randy Myers, The Mercury News, 19 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for general
Articles Related to general
Dictionary Entries Near general
Cite this Entry
“General.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/general. Accessed 27 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
general
1 of 2 adjective
gen·er·al
ˈjen-(ə-)rəl 
1
: involving, applying to, or affecting the whole : not local or partial
a general election
the general body of citizens
2
: relating to or covering all instances
a general conclusion
3
: not specific or in detail
a general outline
4
: common to many
the general custom here
5
: not special : not specialized
a general store
6
: of top rank
general manager
general
2 of 2 noun
: a military officer with a rank above that of a colonel
especially
: an officer with the rank just above that of a lieutenant general
Medical Definition
general
adjective
gen·er·al
ˈjen-(ə-)rəl
1
: not confined by specialization or careful limitation
a general surgeon
2
: belonging to the common nature of a group of like individuals
the general characteristics of a species
3
: involving or affecting practically the entire body or organism : not local
general infirmity
Legal Definition
general
adjective
gen·er·al
ˈjen-rəl, ˈje-nə-
1
: involving, applicable to, or affecting the whole
2
: involving, relating to, or applicable to every member of a class, kind, or group
3
: not confined by specialization or limitation
4
: relating to, determined by, or concerned with main elements rather than limiting details
5
: holding superior rank or taking precedence over others similarly titled
the general manager
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