mainstream

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noun

main·​stream ˈmān-ˌstrēm 

: a prevailing current or direction of activity or influence

mainstream adjective

mainstream

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adjective

main·​stream

: having, reflecting, or being compatible with the prevailing attitudes and values of a society or group

mainstream media

movies that appeal to a mainstream audience

mainstream success

mainstream

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verb

main·​stream ˈmān-ˈstrēm 

mainstreamed; mainstreaming; mainstreams

transitive verb

1

: to place (a student, such as a disabled child) in regular school classes

2

: to incorporate in the mainstream

Examples of mainstream in a Sentence

Verb

The poor should be mainstreamed into the private health-insurance system.

Ideas that were once controversial have now become mainstreamed.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

In recent months, several mainstream news operations have put new emphasis on roundtable programs that rely on a range of personalities, rather than a single opinion whose biases and alignments are on full display each evening. —Brian Steinberg, Variety, 27 Sep. 2024

While the movie may be a challenge for mainstream moviegoers, the Academy should respond to this likely Best Picture Oscar contender. —Anne Thompson, IndieWire, 27 Sep. 2024

Adjective

That sort of format and technology already exists and could be a future competitor if dirty soda goes mainstream enough – a Coca-Cola style freestyle machine that the company introduced in 2009 could easily start adding in half and half or syrups. —Ramishah Maruf, CNN, 28 Sep. 2024

Stalwarts of the post-hardcore underground that spawned Big Black, Sonic Youth, and Dinosaur Jr., Butthole Surfers seemed the least likely of the scene ever to go mainstream. —Simon Reynolds, Pitchfork, 27 Sep. 2024

Verb

Since then, surfing has transitioned from countercultural pastime to mainstream sport. —Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 13 Sep. 2024

Newsom, who has lived something of a parallel political life to Harris, spent much of his time running around the United Center speaking to mainstream and right-wing media alike. —Marisa Lagos, NPR, 10 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1599, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1955, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1974, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing mainstream

• the mainstream

Kids Definition

mainstream

noun

main·​stream

-ˌstrēm

: the principal current or direction of activity or influence

Medical Definition

mainstream

adjective

main·​stream ˌmān-ˌstrēm 

: relating to or being tobacco smoke that is drawn (as from a cigarette) directly into the mouth of the smoker and is usually inhaled into the lungs compare sidestream