1
: involving, applicable to, or affecting the whole
2
: involving, relating to, or applicable to every member of a class, kind, or group
the general equation of a straight line
3
: not confined by specialization or careful limitation
a general outline
4
: belonging to the common nature of a group of like individuals : generic
the general characteristics of a species
5
a
: applicable to or characteristic of the majority of individuals involved : prevalent
the general opinion
b
: concerned or dealing with universal rather than particular aspects
6
: relating to, determined by, or concerned with main elements rather than limited details
bearing a general resemblance to the original
7
: holding superior rank or taking precedence over others similarly titled
the general manager
1
: something (such as a concept, principle, or statement) that involves or is applicable to the whole
2
3
archaic
: the general public : people
4
a
b
: a commissioned officer in the army, air force, or marine corps who ranks above a lieutenant general and whose insignia is four stars compare admiral
Synonyms
Examples of general in a Sentence
Adjective
They have issued a general warning.
The general consensus is that we should go ahead.
The witness was able to provide a very general description of the thief.
She began her talk with some general observations about the state of the industry.
The book provides a good general introduction to the subject.
My concerns are all general—nothing specific.
The details of the new plan are different, but it's based on the same general concept.
My general impression was that things were going well.
They were found in the same general area.
I'm going in the general direction of the store.
Recent Examples on the Web
Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024
The movie was, in general, filmed around the capital of the country, Sofia.
—Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 28 Oct. 2024
Wafaa Shurafa, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2024
The political turmoil in Bolivia reached a flashpoint in June with the arrest of a general accused of orchestrating a coup against the government.
—Mitchell McCluskey, CNN, 27 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for general 
Adjective
His crowning would also be a proud moment for Real Madrid, who in recent years boasted winners in Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric and Karim Benzema amid general dominance from FC Barcelona legend Lionel Messi.
—Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024
The movie was, in general, filmed around the capital of the country, Sofia.
—Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 28 Oct. 2024
Noun
Palestinians fear Israel is enacting a plan proposed by a group of former generals, who suggested the civilian population of the north should be ordered to evacuate, aid supplies should be cut off and anyone remaining there should be considered a militant.
—Wafaa Shurafa, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2024
The political turmoil in Bolivia reached a flashpoint in June with the arrest of a general accused of orchestrating a coup against the government.
—Mitchell McCluskey, CNN, 27 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for general
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'general.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Articles Related to general
Dictionary Entries Near general
Cite this Entry
“General.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/general. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
general
1 of 2 adjective
gen·er·al
ˈjen-(ə-)rəl 
1
: involving, applying to, or affecting the whole : not local or partial
a general election
the general body of citizens
2
: relating to or covering all instances
a general conclusion
3
: not specific or in detail
a general outline
4
: common to many
the general custom here
5
: not special : not specialized
a general store
6
: of top rank
general manager
general
2 of 2 noun
: a military officer with a rank above that of a colonel
especially
: an officer with the rank just above that of a lieutenant general
Medical Definition
general
adjective
gen·er·al
ˈjen-(ə-)rəl
1
: not confined by specialization or careful limitation
a general surgeon
2
: belonging to the common nature of a group of like individuals
the general characteristics of a species
3
: involving or affecting practically the entire body or organism : not local
general infirmity
Legal Definition
general
adjective
gen·er·al
ˈjen-rəl, ˈje-nə-
1
: involving, applicable to, or affecting the whole
2
: involving, relating to, or applicable to every member of a class, kind, or group
3
: not confined by specialization or limitation
4
: relating to, determined by, or concerned with main elements rather than limiting details
5
: holding superior rank or taking precedence over others similarly titled
the general manager
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