the mains
plural noun
British
: the system of pipes or wires for electricity, gas, or water
My radio runs either off batteries or off the mains.
—often used as mains before another nounWe haven't had any mains water/electricity since the storm.
Cite this Entry
“The mains.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20mains. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.
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