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
Javier Hasse, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
That independence has allowed Carlson to shape political narratives in ways mainstream journalists often cannot—or will not.
—Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025
Ryan Browne, CNBC, 24 June 2025
The films shown were all short, and most would be more at home at an art film fest than something more mainstream.
—ArsTechnica, 24 June 2025
Sabbir Rangwala, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
Elkhart’s financial culture was the polar opposite of the crypto ethos that began to go mainstream around the time this new iteration of Heartland was founded.
—David Yaffe-Bellany, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for mainstream
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Noun
Federal law, platform restrictions and lingering stigma created a near-total blackout for mainstream marketing.
—Javier Hasse, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
That independence has allowed Carlson to shape political narratives in ways mainstream journalists often cannot—or will not.
—Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025
Adjective
Previously associated with fraud, money laundering and other illicit activities, digital assets have become a more mainstream asset class over the years as big names like JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley warmed to the space.
—Ryan Browne, CNBC, 24 June 2025
The films shown were all short, and most would be more at home at an art film fest than something more mainstream.
—ArsTechnica, 24 June 2025
Verb
Will mainstream productions like the Phantom of the Opera or Hamilton incorporate such talent in their productions, with higher levels of assistive performance enhancements?
—Sabbir Rangwala, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
Elkhart’s financial culture was the polar opposite of the crypto ethos that began to go mainstream around the time this new iteration of Heartland was founded.
—David Yaffe-Bellany, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for mainstream
Cite this Entry
“Mainstream.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mainstream. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share