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
Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 19 Mar. 2025
As a result, these mainstream organizations have tried to separate out what is (in their view) the good and the bad of Trump’s approach.
—Zack Beauchamp, Vox, 19 Mar. 2025
Hannah Wiley, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2025
The award will be given at a ceremony that traditionally recognizes mainstream TV shows.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 18 Mar. 2025
Robert Lang, Deadline, 19 Feb. 2025
Throughout his career, the Canadian auteur has deliberately shunned big-budget features or mainstream Hollywood to make low-budget films out of French-speaking Quebec.
—Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for mainstream
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Noun
Of the 27 member states of the European Union, at least 20 are currently led by mainstream liberals, centrist conservatives, or Socialists.
—Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 19 Mar. 2025
As a result, these mainstream organizations have tried to separate out what is (in their view) the good and the bad of Trump’s approach.
—Zack Beauchamp, Vox, 19 Mar. 2025
Adjective
But public health experts are preparing for childhood immunization rates to continue declining in the current political climate and as the anti-vaccine movement becomes more mainstream.
—Hannah Wiley, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2025
The award will be given at a ceremony that traditionally recognizes mainstream TV shows.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 18 Mar. 2025
Verb
Berlin considers his work taboo and underground, not mainstream but hopes for wider recognition someday.
—Robert Lang, Deadline, 19 Feb. 2025
Throughout his career, the Canadian auteur has deliberately shunned big-budget features or mainstream Hollywood to make low-budget films out of French-speaking Quebec.
—Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Feb. 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 27 Mar. 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
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