medium

1 of 2

noun

me·​di·​um ˈmē-dē-əm 

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

(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

Apple's current keyboards can use the function keys … for alternate functions such as controlling volume, screen brightness, media playback …

—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

3

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

the media is less interested in the party's policies

—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.

medium

2 of 2

adjective

: intermediate in quantity, quality, position, size, or degree

Synonyms

Noun

• golden mean
• mean
• middle
• middle ground
• midpoint

Adjective

• average
• intermediate
• mean
• median
• middle
• middling
• midsize
• midsized
• moderate
• modest

Examples of medium in a Sentence

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?

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Several media reports Tuesday and Wednesday called into question the forecast for the 2024 solar eclipse path, or where the moon's shadow will pass over the Earth when the moon partially blocks out the Sun. —Marina Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 7 Apr. 2024

Associated Press text, photo, graphic, audio and/or video material shall not be published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium. —Michael R. Wickline, arkansasonline.com, 7 Apr. 2024

Ruscha’s stains were left by automobiles parked out in the lot — ordinary, figurative images recorded by a cameraman the artist hired at a time when photography was a second-class medium for art. —Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2024

The two companies are in renewal discussions, the outcome of which will have significant influence on Paramount’s ability to deliver the free cash flow that media investors are expecting from the company that has lately posted big losses on streaming operations. —Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 6 Apr. 2024

McAlister adds that the film comes at a time where there is a reduction of media outlets carrying out storytelling in this way and investing in the big swings. —Armani Syed, TIME, 5 Apr. 2024

Before last year’s championship game, the highest viewership for a women’s game was more than 20 years ago (before the splintering of media). —Harry Enten, CNN, 5 Apr. 2024

But Newsmax’s viewership, as measured by Nielsen, a media analytics company, plateaued and then quickly shrank. —Jonathan O'Connell, Washington Post, 26 Mar. 2024

The campaign said the media would not be welcome at the reception. —James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2024

Adjective

This magnetic spice rack organizer includes four separate shelves — two large and two medium sizes — in an anti-rust, black matte finish. —Ali Faccenda, Peoplemag, 3 Apr. 2024

The individual is described as a man with a dark complexion, approximately 35 years old, 5 feet, 10 inches tall, 180 pounds and a medium build. —Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 29 Mar. 2024

The eight-piece set includes one medium, large, and extra large organizer, one cosmetics case, plus bags for underwear, socks, and shoes. —Clara McMahon, Peoplemag, 27 Mar. 2024

Related Articles In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. —Kate Bradshaw, The Mercury News, 18 Mar. 2024

This model also comes with a tangle-free turbine tool (for removing dirt and pet hair from upholstery) and a grooming tool for pets with medium or long hair. —Brenda Stolyar, WIRED, 16 Mar. 2024

He was described as Hispanic, with a dark complexion, in his late 20s, 5 feet 4 inches to 5 feet 6 inches tall, with a thin to medium build and shoulder length black hair. —Kristina Davis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Mar. 2024

Place the cream and butter in a small saucepan and set the pan over medium heat. —Robin Miller, The Arizona Republic, 14 Mar. 2024

Add remaining 2 tablespoons oil to skillet over medium heat. —Sabrina Weiss, Peoplemag, 5 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun and Adjective

Latin, from neuter of medius middle — more at mid

First Known Use

Noun

1589, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

1670, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing medium

• medium of exchange
• medium roast
• medium-term
• medium-sized
• medium frequency
• happy medium
• mass medium

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)