general
Noun pluralgenerals
Pluralgenerals
- 1Shared by or affecting everyone or most people.
Like a rule that covers everyone in the room, not just one person.
The new rule applies to the general population, not just employees.
There was general agreement among the team about how to proceed.
UsageCommon in general election, the general public and general agreement.
Similarwidespread, universal, common
Oppositelocal, partial, limited
Note
- 2One of the highest-ranking officers in an army, air force, or marine force.
Like the head coach who leads a whole sports team, but for soldiers.
The general ordered the troops to hold their position.
She was promoted to general after decades of service.
UsageWrite General Grant with a capital G, but the general with a small g.
Note
- 3Not special or limited to one thing. Covering many kinds.
Like a tool that can do many jobs instead of just one.
The general store in town sells a little of everything.
I'm taking a general science class that covers many topics.
Oppositespecialized, specific, particular
- 4Showing only the main points and leaving out small details.
Like looking at a map of a whole country instead of one street.
She gave a general outline of the plan without naming any dates.
I only have a general idea of how the engine works.
UsageSay you have a general idea of something.
Similarbroad, rough, overall, approximate, loose
- 5Highest in rank, used in some official job titles such as 'attorney general'.
The attorney general announced new charges this morning.
She was appointed secretary general of the organization.
UsageFor more than one, say attorneys general, with the -s on the first word.
Note
Less common meanings
- 6Medicine that puts you fully to sleep for an operation.
Like a deep sleep doctors switch on so you feel nothing.
The surgeon decided to use a general for the operation.
She was given a general before the procedure began.
UsageSay someone has a general or has an operation under general.
Oppositelocal
- 7A person who is very good at planning and winning battles or contests.
Like a master planner who always sees the next move coming.
Our point guard is the team's general on the court.
Our team captain is a true general who plans every play.
Similarstrategist, tactician, mastermind
- 8The leader in charge of a whole religious order, such as the Jesuits or Dominicans.
Like the top boss of a big company, but for a religious group.
The general of the order visited every monastery in the country.
Monks across Europe waited for the general to announce his decision.
Note
- 9A house servant who does all kinds of work for one family.
My general is sister to your second housemaid.
1918, Rebecca West [pseudonym; Cicily Isabel Fairfield], The Return of the SoldierHere, general means a servant who does all the housework alone.Then the servants left and there was only one, a General. A great deal of your comfort and happiness depends on having a good General.
1899, E. Nesbit, The Story of the Treasure SeekersSimilarmaid, servant, domestic
Note
- 10A broad statement that is true in most cases but not in every detail.
Note
- 11In most cases, or for the most part.
- 12To lead soldiers in battle as their commanding officer.
- 13The officer in charge of a country's warships and sailors.
- 14The part of the insurance business that covers things like cars, homes, and travel, taken as a whole.
- 15The most important piece in Chinese chess, which moves one space and stays in its home area.
Showing meanings only.
Practice
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Origin
From Latin generalis, from genus meaning "class or kind." It came into English through French.
Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 3 facts
- General derives ultimately from Latin generalis, formed from genus. en.wiktionary.org
- Latin genus means class or kind. en.wiktionary.org
- General entered English through French. en.wiktionary.org