mainstream

1 of 3

noun

main·​stream ˈmān-ˌstrēm 

: a prevailing current or direction of activity or influence

mainstream adjective

mainstream

2 of 3

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

3 of 3

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

The therapy remains controversial among mainstream oncologists, in part because there are few rigorous clinical studies evaluating its efficacy. — Shelby Hartman, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026

Severance took a bit of time for the positive industry reception to translate into a significant mainstream audience. — Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 8 July 2026

Adjective

In the past, studios have plucked influencers from their online niche and slotted them into whatever mainstream production needed a face. — Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026

Travelers can indulge in a combination of experiences not yet mainstream. — Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026

Verb

Protein has moved from gym-bag staple to mainstream wellness obsession, and a growing roster of celebrities is betting their names on it. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson july 10, Sacbee.com, 10 July 2026

The group’s opposition to mainstream Catholicism includes but is not limited to the way that mass is celebrated. — Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 6 July 2026

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

Rhymes for mainstream

• abeam
• airstream
• bloodstream
• daydream
• downstream
• esteem
• extreme
• grapheme
• hakim
• hornbeam
• lexeme
• midstream

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