mainly

adverb

main·​ly ˈmān-lē How to pronounce mainly (audio)
1
obsolete : in a forceful manner
2
: for the most part : chiefly

Examples of mainly in a Sentence

you mainly need to focus on improving your golf swing
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Several attempts to revamp the mall and restore it to its glory days as a hot shopping destination have failed over the years, mainly because nearby residents have disapproved. Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 20 Sep. 2025 It was followed by manufacturing, down by 2,800 jobs; financial activities (real estate, insurance, investments), down 2,100; information (telecommunications, newspapers, publishing industry), down 1,100; trade, transportation and utilities (mainly retail), down 900; and construction, down by 700. Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Sep. 2025 Most of what investment banking professionals do, such as structuring company sales, mergers, acquisitions or equity/debt raises, mainly applies to business owners preparing for an exit or a significant expansion. Frank Williamson, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025 While mainly in English, the film, which is currently in post-production, will also feature Russian dialogue. Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 19 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for mainly

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of mainly was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mainly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mainly. Accessed 22 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on mainly

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!