major in

major in (something)

To complete a college or university degree with a particular subject as its focus. Originally I thought I would major in English literature, but I switch to psychology in my second year. Samantha's majoring in economics, with a minor in history.
See also: major
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

major in something

to specialize in a certain subject in college. I majored in history in college. I want to major in math.
See also: major
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

major in

v.
To complete a long-term course of study in some subject that is one's main focus: In high school I was interested in math, but in college I majored in history.
See also: major
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • major
  • major in (something)
  • switch on
  • switched on
  • switch off
  • make good money
  • tell you the truth
  • (if the) truth be told
  • if truth be known/told
  • (if the) truth be known
References in classic literature
"What?" shouted the general and the major in great surprise.
ARSENAL M M Da Nico Manager: Unai Emery Major ins: Gabriel Martinelli, Dani Ceballos, William Saliba, Nicolas Pepe.
Major ins: Wilks (from Leeds), Diaby (Lokeren), Sibbick (AFC Wimbledon), Andersen (AC Horsens), Collins (Chelsea).
LAST SEASON: 11th MANAGER: Ciaran McGurgan MAJOR INS: Jackson Holmes, Niall Henderson (both Portadown), Shane McPartland, Stefan Campbell (both Lurgan Celtic), Paul Stretton (Loughgall), Ruairi McDonald, Samual Haugh, Owen McConville (all Dungannon Swifts), Jordan Lyttle, Jordan Gilmore (both unattached).
MAJOR INS: Chris Simm, Liam Brownhill, Jamie Crowther, John Owen (back from loan) MAJOR OUTS: Kyle Wilson, Neil Thomas, Eddie Jebb.
Instead, it was the visit to the Irish town of Gort, which was dubbed "Little Brazil" after a major inS flux of Brazilians came to work at a (sadly now closed) meat factory.
BLUES Coach: David Young Captain: Paul Tito Last season: Sixth Major ins: Sam Norton-Knight, Casey Laulala, Gareth Cooper, Dafydd James, Darren Morris Major outs: Nicky Robinson, Jamie Robinson, Jason Spice Key player: Jamie Roberts Rising star: Sam Warburton Verdict: Play-offs.
DRAGONS Game by Coach: Paul Turner Captain: Tom Willis Last season Magners League: 9th Heineken Cup: Pool stages Anglo-Welsh Cup: Pool stages Major ins: Danny Lee, Robert Sidoli, Gavin Thomas Major outs: Adam Black, Kevin Morgan, Richard Parks, Jamie Ringer, Tal Selley, Marc Stcherbina, Rhys Thomas, Andy Williams, Gareth Wyatt.
Blues Coach: David Young Captain: Paul Tito Last season: Sixth Major ins: Sam Norton-Knight, Casey Laulala, Gareth Cooper Major outs: Nicky Robinson, Jamie Robinson Key player - Sam Norton-Knight: The Aussie fly-half has impressed everybody within the Blues camp and could be the general and conductor of the orchestra they have lacked for so long.
I get the feeling that he's still finding out about his players and it will only be next summer when the major ins and outs happen, shaping his team and not just reshaping Sir Bobby's.
MAJOR INS: Oleg Luzhny, Dynamo Kiev, pounds 1.8m; Silvinho, Corinthians, pounds 4m; Stefan Malz, Munich 1860, pounds 650,000; Moritz Voltz, Schalke 04, Undisclosed
Major Ins: Mustapha Hadji, Deportivo La Coruna, pounds 4m; Raffaele Nuzzo, Inter Milan, Loan; Antonino Caruso, Inter Milan, Loan; Youssef Chippo, Porto, pounds 1.2m; Morten Hyldgaard, Ikast, pounds 200,000
Position: 4th ASTON VILLA Manager: Dean Smith Major ins: Tyrone Mings, Anwar El Ghazi, Wesley, Matt Targett, Jota, Kortney Hause, Bjorn Engels, Ezri Konsa, Douglas Luiz, Trezeguet, Tom Heaton.
ANNAGH UNITED LAST SEASON: 12th Championship MANAGER: Gary Duke MAJOR INS: Jake Richardson, Conor Larkin, Jordan Gibson, Richard Thompson, Stuart Mallen, Gareth Rees MAJOR OUTS: Nathaniel Ferris KEY MAN: Aaron Duke REASON FOR OPTIMISM: A striker who scores for fun and a manager who knows the division.