general ( generals plural )
1 n-count; n-title; n-voc A general is a high-ranking officer in the armed forces, usually in the army.
The General's visit to Sarajevo is part of preparations for the deployment of extra troops.
2 adj If you talk about the general situation somewhere or talk about something in general terms, you are describing the situation as a whole rather than considering its details or exceptions.
ADJ n
The figures represent a general decline in employment., ...the general deterioration of English society. If you describe something in general terms, you describe it without giving details.
♦ in general terms phrase
She recounted in very general terms some of the events of recent months.
3 adj You use general to describe several items or activities when there are too many of them or when they are not important enough to mention separately.
ADJ n
£2,500 for software is soon swallowed up in general costs..., His firm took over the planting and general maintenance of the park last March.
4 adj You use general to describe something that involves or affects most people, or most people in a particular group.
ADJ n
The project should raise general awareness about bullying.
5 adj If you describe something as general, you mean that it is not restricted to any one thing or area.
ADJ n
...a general ache radiating from the back of the neck., ...a general sense of well-being., ...raising the level of general physical fitness.