main entry
C1Formal, Technical, Academic
Definition
Meaning
The primary, most complete, or headword listing for a word in a reference work such as a dictionary, encyclopedia, or catalog, under which all related information is organized.
A principal or central record in any structured system of information, such as a database, library catalog, or ledger, serving as the primary point of access to a set of related data.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is strongly tied to the structure of reference works and data systems. While it can be used literally in other contexts (e.g., the main entrance to a building), its primary and most precise meaning is lexicographic or systemic.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical in meaning and application. No significant spelling or syntactic differences exist.
Connotations
Neutral and technical in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and specialized in both BrE and AmE, confined to contexts involving lexicography, library science, data management, and publishing.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The main entry for [word/phrase] is...Consult the main entry under [headword].[Information] is found at the main entry.The main entry consists of...Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[not a strongly idiomatic term]”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. May be used in database or record-keeping contexts, e.g., 'Each client has a main entry in the CRM system.'
Academic
Common in linguistics, lexicography, and library science papers. E.g., 'The study analysed the definitions in the main entries of five learner dictionaries.'
Everyday
Very rare. Might be understood in the literal sense of a primary entrance.
Technical
The primary domain. Precisely denotes the canonical location for information in a reference work or database.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The lexicographers decided to main-entry the phrase under the noun.
American English
- The system is designed to main-entry all variant spellings under the most common form.
adverb
British English
- The term is listed main-entry in the latest edition.
American English
- The data is stored main-entry for efficiency.
adjective
British English
- The main-entry word is printed in bold type.
- This is the main-entry page for the topic.
American English
- The main-entry definition is the most comprehensive.
- Check the main-entry record for full details.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The main entry for 'run' in the dictionary is very long.
- Look at the main entry to find how to say the word.
- For a full explanation of the phrasal verb, you must consult the main entry for the base verb.
- The catalog's main entry for the book included its author, title, and publication details.
- The lexicographer's key task was to decide which derivative forms warranted their own main entries and which should be treated as subentries.
- In bibliographic databases, the choice of authorised form for the main entry is governed by strict cataloguing rules such as AACR2 or RDA.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a dictionary's MAIN street. The MAIN ENTRY is like the main address (the headword) on that street where all the important information about a word lives.
Conceptual Metaphor
INFORMATION IS A BUILDING / A DICTIONARY IS A CITY. The 'main entry' is the central headquarters or main door to all information about a particular topic.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating as 'главный вход' (main entrance/doors) in technical contexts. The correct equivalent is 'основная словарная статья' or 'заголовочная статья'.
- Do not confuse with 'запись' (record/entry) in a general diary sense; this is a specific cataloguing term.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'main entry' to mean any entry in a list (it must be the primary one).
- Confusing it with 'index' or 'glossary.'
- Misspelling as 'main entree' (which is a dish in a meal).
Practice
Quiz
In which of the following contexts is the term 'main entry' used most precisely and frequently?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are closely related but not identical. The 'headword' is the word itself (e.g., 'cat') that appears at the top of the entry. The 'main entry' refers to the entire block of information (definition, pronunciation, etymology, etc.) that is organised under that headword.
Yes, if a word has significantly different meanings or functions (like homographs). For example, 'bow' (to bend) and 'bow' (a weapon) will typically have separate main entries, often numbered as 'bow1' and 'bow2'.
A main entry is the primary, independent listing for a headword. A subentry (or run-on) is a derivative word, phrase, or idiom that is listed within the main entry of its base word to save space and show relationship, e.g., 'runner-up' might be a subentry within the main entry for 'run'.
Yes, the concept is fundamental. Even in a digital format, the core information for a word is structured around a primary page or data node, which is the digital equivalent of a main entry. Hyperlinked cross-references replace the 'see also' notes of print dictionaries.