American Dictionary

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Definition principal in American English

principal noun

noun
/ˈprɪnsəp(ə)l/
1

the original amount of money that someone borrows, which is paid back with additional money called interest

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2

the head of a school. The usual British word is head teacher

Example

a high school principal

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2.1

the head of a college or university

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3

the main actor, dancer, singer, etc. in a performance

Example

The show had eight principals and more than twenty dancers.

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3.1

the leader of a section of an orchestra

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4

a person or organization that has someone to represent them in legal and business matters

Example

Her interests might conflict with those of her principals.

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Definition principal in American English