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
Thomas Soderstrom, PC Magazine, 13 Sep. 2025
The only relief comes from the movie’s change to the ending, as mainstream moviegoing audiences perhaps weren't ready to see a child die after all that trauma.
—James Grebey, Time, 12 Sep. 2025
Andrew Ravens, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
At the same time, more mainstream lines like Norwegian, Celebrity, and MSC are betting on boutique-style ship-within-a-ship enclaves with the Haven, Retreat, and Yacht Club, respectively.
—Lauren Dana Ellman, AFAR Media, 11 Sep. 2025
Robert Hoban, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
News aficionados have given up subscriptions to mainstream publications like The Washington Post in recent months when they are perceived to cede authority or placate those in power.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 5 Sep. 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
But this chassis could be the ultimate mainstream case for cable-hiding showoffs.
—Thomas Soderstrom, PC Magazine, 13 Sep. 2025
The only relief comes from the movie’s change to the ending, as mainstream moviegoing audiences perhaps weren't ready to see a child die after all that trauma.
—James Grebey, Time, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
His involvement generated mainstream attention and was credited with boosting WWE's business during WrestleMania season.
—Andrew Ravens, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
At the same time, more mainstream lines like Norwegian, Celebrity, and MSC are betting on boutique-style ship-within-a-ship enclaves with the Haven, Retreat, and Yacht Club, respectively.
—Lauren Dana Ellman, AFAR Media, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
Denver Post via Getty Images THC Beverages The 2024 Farm Bill may well be the single most important piece of legislation for the THC beverage sector — a market that has gone from novelty to mainstream in just a few short years.
—Robert Hoban, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
News aficionados have given up subscriptions to mainstream publications like The Washington Post in recent months when they are perceived to cede authority or placate those in power.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 5 Sep. 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 15 Sep. 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