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
ArsTechnica, 25 Apr. 2025
Trump's proposal for a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, outlined after his return to the White House, has energized crypto advocates who see government support as a potential catalyst for faster mainstream adoption.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
Charlie Fink, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Mainstream gadgets getting elusive Even people with broader, more mainstream tech interests see tariffs impacting their options.
—ArsTechnica, 25 Apr. 2025
Angel Diaz, Billboard, 25 Apr. 2025
What’s striking is how quickly premium sleep tech has moved from medical to mainstream.
—Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 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
Trump’s tariffs can have a major impact on all of our electronics, from mainstream purchases to hobbyist endeavors.
—ArsTechnica, 25 Apr. 2025
Trump's proposal for a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, outlined after his return to the White House, has energized crypto advocates who see government support as a potential catalyst for faster mainstream adoption.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
Snap’s ecosystem has often placed it outside mainstream XR circles, but Spiegel’s presence at AWE signals growing engagement.
—Charlie Fink, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Mainstream gadgets getting elusive Even people with broader, more mainstream tech interests see tariffs impacting their options.
—ArsTechnica, 25 Apr. 2025
Verb
Birdman revealed some interesting tidbits about Cash Money’s rise from New Orleans street label to mainstream powerhouse.
—Angel Diaz, Billboard, 25 Apr. 2025
What’s striking is how quickly premium sleep tech has moved from medical to mainstream.
—Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 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 May. 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