1. the heads of schools or educational institutions
Usage: plural of principal
2. the main people involved in a situation or organization
Usage: plural of principal
3. sums of money that are invested or lent, not including interest
Usage: finance; plural of principal

Examples

• The principals from three local schools met to discuss the new policy.
• All principals in the negotiation agreed to the terms.
• The bank protects both the principals and the interest earned.
• School principals often work long hours during the academic year.
• The principals of the company decided to expand overseas.
• Investors were concerned about losing their principals in the market downturn.