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
Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 25 Dec. 2025
In the 1980s, Franz Josef Strauss, the legendary chair of the Christian Social Union (the Christian Democrats’ sister party in Bavaria), warned that far-right parties must not be permitted to become the flank of mainstream conservatism.
—Sudha David-Wilp, Foreign Affairs, 23 Dec. 2025
Alex Harring, CNBC, 21 Dec. 2025
But that theory, which has long been debated in autism subreddits and Facebook groups, hasn’t gained traction among mainstream autism scientists.
—Tom Bartlett, The Atlantic, 19 Dec. 2025
Carlos Garcia, Fortune, 16 Dec. 2025
This contrast shows that blistering performance is no longer limited to ultra-exclusive hypercars – high-end acceleration has now reached vehicles across multiple market segments, from luxury to mainstream EV sedans.
—Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 22 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for mainstream
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Noun
Some might be inclined to label Lee as an early cult leader, with her extreme views on sexuality, somatic-style worshipping rituals rooted in dance and song as well as her desire to build a self-sufficient, utopian community outside of mainstream society.
—Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 25 Dec. 2025
In the 1980s, Franz Josef Strauss, the legendary chair of the Christian Social Union (the Christian Democrats’ sister party in Bavaria), warned that far-right parties must not be permitted to become the flank of mainstream conservatism.
—Sudha David-Wilp, Foreign Affairs, 23 Dec. 2025
Adjective
An active social media presence can help build brand recognition and drive attention from mainstream news outlets, Murphy said.
—Alex Harring, CNBC, 21 Dec. 2025
But that theory, which has long been debated in autism subreddits and Facebook groups, hasn’t gained traction among mainstream autism scientists.
—Tom Bartlett, The Atlantic, 19 Dec. 2025
Verb
Coinbase released the report at a time when crypto is becoming increasingly available to mainstream investors of all ages.
—Carlos Garcia, Fortune, 16 Dec. 2025
This contrast shows that blistering performance is no longer limited to ultra-exclusive hypercars – high-end acceleration has now reached vehicles across multiple market segments, from luxury to mainstream EV sedans.
—Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 22 Nov. 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 29 Dec. 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
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