mainstream

1 of 3

noun

main·​stream ˈmān-ˌstrēm How to pronounce mainstream (audio)
: a prevailing current or direction of activity or influence
mainstream adjective

mainstream

2 of 3

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

mainstream

3 of 3

verb

main·​stream ˈmān-ˈstrēm How to pronounce mainstream (audio)
mainstreamed; mainstreaming; mainstreams

transitive verb

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
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
Many were confused by the lack of mainstream inclusion, with some reactions asking for his classics, but that’s what other tributes were for. — Mya Abraham, VIBE.com, 29 June 2026 The pack can be a rucksack, backpack or vest, and the exercise has roots in military training before crossing over into mainstream fitness. — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2026
Adjective
More news to know now The wave of progressive candidates challenging mainstream Democrats may drown Sens. — Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 30 June 2026 More mainstream wearables will likely add resilience and cumulative load features as competitors respond to Oura’s lead. — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2026
Verb
Backyard chickens have gone from fringe hobby to mainstream pet in under a decade. — Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 30 June 2026 But just as the technology seemed poised to move from moonshot to mainstream, customer complaints started coming in. — Los Angeles Times, 15 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for mainstream

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1599, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1955, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1974, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of mainstream was in 1599

Phrases Containing mainstream

Rhymes for mainstream

See All Rhymes for mainstream

Browse Nearby Words

main stem
mainstream
Main Street
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mainstream.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mainstream. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

mainstream

noun
main·​stream
-ˌstrēm
: the principal current or direction of activity or influence

Medical Definition

mainstream

adjective
main·​stream ˌmān-ˌstrēm How to pronounce mainstream (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on mainstream

Nglish: Translation of mainstream for Spanish Speakers

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