principal

Pronunciation

• IPA ^(key): /ˈprɪnsɪpəl/ or /ˈprɪnsəpəl/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

• Homophone: principle

Adjective

Positive principal

Comparative none

Superlative none

1. (usually before a noun) The principal thing is the main or most important one.

   Canada's principal trading partner is the USA.

   Presumably most of us work for the same principal reason – in order to live.

Related words

• principally

Noun

Singular principal

Plural principals

1. (countable) In American English, a principal is the head of a school. (headmaster in British English)
2. (countable) The principal is the most important person in a business, or an artistic group such as a dancers.
3. (uncountable) Principal is the money that you borrow and must pay back. It does not include interest.