plural mediums or media
ˈmē-dē-ə 
1
a
: something in a middle position
These shirts are all mediums.
b
: a middle condition or degree : mean
Look for a happy medium.
2
: a means of effecting or conveying something: such as
a
plural usually media
(1)
: a channel or system of communication, information, or entertainment compare mass medium
(2)
: a publication or broadcast that carries advertising
(3)
: a mode of artistic expression or communication
as his literary medium he has chosen a biographical form—
Ernest Newman
Ernest Newman
(4)
: something (such as a magnetic disk) on which information may be stored
b
media plural
: digital audio or video files available for playback or streaming
… the free video broadcasts can be downloaded to portable media players from a number of popular pod[cast] and vodcast Web sites.—Steve Miller
Steve MillerApple's current keyboards can use the function keys … for alternate functions such as controlling volume, screen brightness, media playback …—Dan Frakes
Dan Frakes
c
: material or technical means of artistic expression (such as paint and canvas, sculptural stone, or literary or musical form)
d
plural mediums
: an individual held to be a channel of communication between the earthly world and a world of spirits
e(1)
: a substance regarded as the means of transmission (see transmission sense 1) of a force or effect
air is the medium that conveys sound
(2)
: a surrounding or enveloping substance
(3)
: the tenuous material (such as gas and dust) in space that exists outside large agglomerations (see agglomeration sense 2) of matter (such as stars)
interstellar medium
f
: go-between, intermediary
the medium of introduction was no doubt … the publisher—Richard Garnett
Richard Garnett3
a
: a condition or environment in which something may function or flourish
Ocean fish live in a medium of salt water.
b
plural media
(1)
: a nutrient system for the artificial cultivation of cells or organisms and especially bacteria
(2)
: a fluid or solid in which organic (see organic entry 1 sense 1) structures are placed (as for preservation or mounting)
c
: a liquid with which pigment is mixed by a painter
Is media singular or plural?: Usage Guide
The singular media and its plural medias seem to have originated in the field of advertising over 70 years ago; they are still so used without stigma in that specialized field. In most other applications media is used as a plural of medium. The popularity of the word in references to the agencies of mass communication is leading to the formation of a mass noun, construed as a singular.
there's no basis for it. You know, the news media gets on to something
—Edwin Meese 3d
Edwin Meese 3d
the media is less interested in the party's policies
—James Lewis, Guardian Weekly
James Lewis, Guardian Weekly
This use is not as well established as the mass-noun use of data and is likely to incur criticism especially in writing.
: intermediate in quantity, quality, position, size, or degree
Synonyms
Example Sentences
Noun
These shirts are all mediums and I take a large.
Make my French fries a medium.
Her preferred medium is sculpture.
The artist works in two media, pencil and watercolor.
Adjective
These T-shirts are available in three sizes: small, medium, and large.
a person of medium build
How would you like your steak, sir: rare, medium, or well-done?
See More
Recent Examples on the WebReuters, NBC News, 22 July 2023
Perhaps nowhere are the pros and cons of AI for businesses as apparent as in the media industry.
—Catherine Thorbecke, CNN, 22 July 2023
Every human group has been, over centuries, using drums and percussion instruments as the primary tools to complement the use of voice and hands as the basic media to create music.
—Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 July 2023
Two-time defending College Football Playoff national champion Georgia was the overwhelming choice to win the SEC championship and the Eastern Division, while Alabama narrowly edged out LSU as the media pick to win the SEC West.
—Tom Murphy, Arkansas Online, 22 July 2023
Right-wing wags now contend that because of his beliefs, the left, the mainstream media and Hollywood —specifically AMC Theatres — are doing their best to suppress attendance to the film.
—Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2023
The Achievement Award is a high honor within the organization and acknowledges the LGBTQ+ community’s presence in the media.
—Breanna Bell, Variety, 21 July 2023
Georgia had the most first-teamers (12) and overall players selected (17) in voting conducted by the media in Nashville this week and tabulated by the conference office.
—Creg Stephenson | Cstephenson@al.com, al, 21 July 2023
Discovery lead the media conglomerate race as well.
—Rick Porter, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 July 2023
L. Daniela Alvarez, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 July 2023
These lightweight summer hiking socks are ideal for short to medium hikes, featuring mesh venting for breathability and cushioning at the heel and toe.
—Danny Perez, Popular Mechanics, 24 July 2023
For starters, an effective Indo-Pacific strategy will require Washington to pay increasing attention to medium and small powers—in Europe, in Southeast Asia, and across the African continent—which will play a crucial role in responding to Beijing’s advancing capabilities.
—Jude Blanchette, Foreign Affairs, 24 July 2023
Grill, covered, over medium heat for 5-7 minutes on each side or until chicken juices run clear.
—Bethany Thayer, Detroit Free Press, 22 July 2023
Do not blend above medium speed; your salsa will get airy and take on the texture of a smoothie.
Taste and season with more salt if desired.
—Ashia Aubourg, SELF, 19 July 2023
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below Cocoa Buie II Ingredients
2 oz Drambuie
9 oz hot milk
3 oz hot cocoa mix
1/8 tsp ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp kosher salt
Instructions
In a saucepan combine all ingredients and warm over medium heat.
—Lauren Hubbard, Town & Country, 12 July 2023
Cook and stir over medium heat 2 to 3 minutes or until slaw mixture is just wilted.
—Bhg Test Kitchen, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 July 2023
In a large Dutch oven set over medium heat, melt the butter.
—Christopher Kimball, BostonGlobe.com, 11 July 2023
See More
Noun
The government in March introduced stricter guidelines, including on dress code and conduct, for foreign acts coming to Malaysia, citing the need to protect sensitivities, media reported.
—Reuters, NBC News, 22 July 2023
Perhaps nowhere are the pros and cons of AI for businesses as apparent as in the media industry.
—Catherine Thorbecke, CNN, 22 July 2023
Every human group has been, over centuries, using drums and percussion instruments as the primary tools to complement the use of voice and hands as the basic media to create music.
—Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 July 2023
Two-time defending College Football Playoff national champion Georgia was the overwhelming choice to win the SEC championship and the Eastern Division, while Alabama narrowly edged out LSU as the media pick to win the SEC West.
—Tom Murphy, Arkansas Online, 22 July 2023
Right-wing wags now contend that because of his beliefs, the left, the mainstream media and Hollywood —specifically AMC Theatres — are doing their best to suppress attendance to the film.
—Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2023
The Achievement Award is a high honor within the organization and acknowledges the LGBTQ+ community’s presence in the media.
—Breanna Bell, Variety, 21 July 2023
Georgia had the most first-teamers (12) and overall players selected (17) in voting conducted by the media in Nashville this week and tabulated by the conference office.
—Creg Stephenson | Cstephenson@al.com, al, 21 July 2023
Discovery lead the media conglomerate race as well.
—Rick Porter, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 July 2023
Adjective
These are one of the best outdoor curtains for their rustic burlap linen look, medium light filtration, water resistance, and simple care and maintenance.
—L. Daniela Alvarez, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 July 2023
These lightweight summer hiking socks are ideal for short to medium hikes, featuring mesh venting for breathability and cushioning at the heel and toe.
—Danny Perez, Popular Mechanics, 24 July 2023
For starters, an effective Indo-Pacific strategy will require Washington to pay increasing attention to medium and small powers—in Europe, in Southeast Asia, and across the African continent—which will play a crucial role in responding to Beijing’s advancing capabilities.
—Jude Blanchette, Foreign Affairs, 24 July 2023
Grill, covered, over medium heat for 5-7 minutes on each side or until chicken juices run clear.
—Bethany Thayer, Detroit Free Press, 22 July 2023
Do not blend above medium speed; your salsa will get airy and take on the texture of a smoothie.
Taste and season with more salt if desired.
—Ashia Aubourg, SELF, 19 July 2023
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below Cocoa Buie II Ingredients
2 oz Drambuie
9 oz hot milk
3 oz hot cocoa mix
1/8 tsp ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp kosher salt
Instructions
In a saucepan combine all ingredients and warm over medium heat.
—Lauren Hubbard, Town & Country, 12 July 2023
Cook and stir over medium heat 2 to 3 minutes or until slaw mixture is just wilted.
—Bhg Test Kitchen, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 July 2023
In a large Dutch oven set over medium heat, melt the butter.
—Christopher Kimball, BostonGlobe.com, 11 July 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'medium.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Phrases Containing medium
Dictionary Entries Near medium
Cite this Entry
“Medium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/medium. Accessed 8 Aug. 2023.
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Kids Definition
medium
1 of 2 noun
me·di·um
ˈmēd-ē-əm
plural mediums or media
ˈmēd- ē-ə
1
a
: something that is between or in the middle
b
: a middle condition or degree
2
: the thing by which or through which something is done
money is a medium of exchange
especially
: a substance through which a force acts or by which something is carried
air is the common medium of sound
3
plural usually media
: a form or system (as newspapers, radio, or television) of communication, information, or entertainment
4
plural mediums
: a person through whom others seek to communicate with the spirits of the dead
5
: a surrounding substance or condition : environment
marine fish live in a medium of salt water
6
plural media
a
: a nourishing system for the artificial cultivation of microorganisms (as bacteria) or cells
b
: a fluid or solid in which plant or animal parts are placed (as for mounting or preserving)
medium
2 of 2 adjective
: intermediate in amount, quality, position, or degree
Medical Definition
medium
noun
me·di·um
ˈmēd-ē-əm
plural mediums or media
-ē-ə
1
: a means of effecting or conveying something: as
a
: a substance regarded as the means of transmission of a force or effect
b
: a surrounding or enveloping substance
2
plural media
a
: a nutrient system for the artificial cultivation of cells or organisms and especially bacteria
b
: a fluid or solid in which organic structures are placed (as for preservation or mounting)
More from Merriam-Webster on medium
Nglish: Translation of medium for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of medium for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about medium
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