major

[ mey-jer ]
/ ˈmeɪ dʒər /

noun

adjective

verb (used without object)

to follow a major course of study: He is majoring in physics.

VIDEO FOR MAJOR

WATCH NOW: What Is The Origin Of The Word "Major"?

Major, similar to its latin derivative magnus, means “great in size, extent, or importance.”

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Origin of major

1350–1400; < Latin, comparative of magnus large (cf. majesty); replacing Middle English majour < Anglo-French < Latin, as above

synonym study for major

8. See capital1.

Definition for major (2 of 2)

Major
[ mey-jer ]
/ ˈmeɪ dʒər /

noun

Clarence,born 1936, U.S. novelist and poet.
John,born 1943, British political leader: prime minister 1990–97.

Example sentences from the Web for major

British Dictionary definitions for major (1 of 2)

major
/ (ˈmeɪdʒə) /

noun

adjective

verb

(intr usually foll by in) US, Canadian, Australian and NZ to do one's principal study (in a particular subject) to major in English literature
(intr usually foll by on) to take or deal with as the main area of interest the book majors on the peasant dishes

Derived forms of major

majorship, noun

Word Origin for major

C15 (adj): from Latin, comparative of magnus great; C17 (n, in military sense): from French, short for sergeant major

British Dictionary definitions for major (2 of 2)

Major
/ (ˈmeɪdʒə) /

noun

Sir John. born 1943, British Conservative politician: Chancellor of the Exchequer (1989–90); prime minister (1990–97)