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

But mainstream outlets abound with criticism of every aspect of the war, including Israel’s role in it. — James Kirchick, The Atlantic, 29 July 2026

The company’s Pixel phones are the only mainstream cameras with deep C2PA integration. — ArsTechnica, 29 July 2026

Adjective

Wyte said tattoos have become increasingly mainstream over the years. — Rachel Brown Kirkland, AJC.com, 30 July 2026

As the trend grows in mainstream American fascination, South American communities continue to treat mate as sacred. — Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026

Verb

Warrington aims to normalize these products, moving them from adult stores to mainstream retailers like Walmart and Target. — Sharon Edelson, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026

For Franklin, the showcase serves as a statement to mainstream society that Native people and Native artists, past and present, are rooted in California’s identity. — Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado july 27, Sacbee.com, 27 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