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 unlike other mainstream dating shows, where producers are infamous for manufacturing conflict among romantic interests, Love on the Spectrum has embraced a wholesome, less cynical approach to love. — Max Gao, HollywoodReporter, 19 Aug. 2026

Among registered Democrats, the survey found 60% said they would be inclined to support a candidate identified as progressive; 58% felt the same when asked about a democratic socialist and 48% about a mainstream party member. — Justine McDaniel, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026

Adjective

But as the drugs move from a specialist injectable treatment toward an increasingly mainstream weight-management category, beauty is beginning to confront a much bigger commercial opportunity, which — according to insiders — is much more complex. — Perdita Nouril, Vogue, 21 Aug. 2026

Willie took the high road After Bob Marley, Willie arguably did the most to make marijuana part of mainstream American life. — Tribune News Service, Hartford Courant, 20 Aug. 2026

Verb

Anxiety rings have moved from niche fidget tool to mainstream men’s jewelry, with dragon scale designs and gothic spinner bands leading the trend. — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 18 Aug. 2026

Since Jelly’s rise to mainstream fame in 2022, the country star has toured consistently — playing more than 375 shows in total, according to Songkick. — Jack Irvin, PEOPLE, 4 Aug. 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