principal meaning and definition

PRINCIPAL noun

Definition of principal (noun)

1. the original amount of a debt on which interest is calculated
2. the educator who has executive authority for a school
   • "she sent unruly pupils to see the principal"
   • synonyms: head, head teacher, school principal
3. an actor who plays a principal role
   • synonyms: lead, star
4. capital as contrasted with the income derived from it
   • synonyms: corpus, principal sum
5. (criminal law) any person involved in a criminal offense, regardless of whether the person profits from such involvement
6. the major party to a financial transaction at a stock exchange; buys and sells for his own account
   • synonyms: dealer

PRINCIPAL adjective

Definition of principal (adjective)

1. most important element
   • "the chief aim of living"; "the main doors were of solid glass"; "the principal rivers of America"; "the principal example"; "policemen were primary targets"; "the master bedroom"; "a master switch"
   • synonyms: chief, main, master, primary