main·stream
ˈmān-ˌstrēm 
: a prevailing current or direction of activity or influence
mainstream
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
main·stream
ˈmān-ˈstrēm
mainstreamed; mainstreaming; mainstreams
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
Brian Steinberg, Variety, 28 May 2026
Not only has the game been covered by major mainstream print, online and broadcast news outlets all over the world, it has been widely billed as the latest instalment in the Bond franchise.
—Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
Susan Akyeampong, Allure, 27 May 2026
The bigger story is mainstream talent quietly going the other way.
—Taylor Reilly, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026
Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 27 May 2026
As more owners retire and succession challenges grow, acquisition entrepreneurship is quickly moving from niche strategy to mainstream business opportunity.
—Melissa Houston, Forbes.com, 25 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for mainstream
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Noun
Intriguingly, some mainstream news organizations have started to line up creators in new business deals, hoping these digital experts represent a way of enlisting journalistic acumen without having to bring a full-time staffer aboard.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 28 May 2026
Not only has the game been covered by major mainstream print, online and broadcast news outlets all over the world, it has been widely billed as the latest instalment in the Bond franchise.
—Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
Adjective
Overall, Edeme does feel like the industry, including mainstream media outlets, have done a decent job in giving her her flowers.
—Susan Akyeampong, Allure, 27 May 2026
The bigger story is mainstream talent quietly going the other way.
—Taylor Reilly, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026
Verb
As zero-proof drinks move from novelty to mainstream, understanding what’s swirling around in your glass matters more than ever.
—Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 27 May 2026
As more owners retire and succession challenges grow, acquisition entrepreneurship is quickly moving from niche strategy to mainstream business opportunity.
—Melissa Houston, Forbes.com, 25 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for mainstream
Cite this Entry
“Mainstream.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mainstream. Accessed 31 May. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical 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
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