Also found in: Thesaurus, Medical, Legal, Acronyms, Idioms, Encyclopedia. Of or affecting the entire body: general paralysis. What is general tso chicken limited in scope, area, or application: as a general rule.

Involving only the main features rather than precise details: a general grasp of the subject. Highest or superior in rank: the general manager. A commissioned rank in the US Army, Air Force, or Marine Corps that is above lieutenant general. One who holds this rank or a similar rank in another military organization. A statement, principle, or fact that embraces or is applicable to the whole.

Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Also: pass designating a degree awarded at some universities, studied at a lower academic standard than an honours degree. In general, the bus is on time.

Copyright 2005, 1997, 1991 by Random House, Inc. We are generaled by an incompetent! Contrary to general opinion, Wiccans are not devil-worshippers. His firm took over general maintenance of the park last summer.