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
ArsTechnica, 25 Apr. 2025
Trump's proposal for a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, outlined after his return to the White House, has energized crypto advocates who see government support as a potential catalyst for faster mainstream adoption.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
Rachel Sugar, The Atlantic, 11 Apr. 2025
Just as more education is needed, particularly in underserved areas, so are more mainstream narratives of Black women who’ve been diagnosed with cervical insufficiency.
—Essence, 11 Apr. 2025
Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
In recent years, the pharmaceutical landscape has witnessed a seismic shift as cannabinoids transition from niche alternatives to mainstream medical solutions.
—Calvin Rasode, Rolling Stone, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for mainstream
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Noun
Trump’s tariffs can have a major impact on all of our electronics, from mainstream purchases to hobbyist endeavors.
—ArsTechnica, 25 Apr. 2025
Trump's proposal for a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, outlined after his return to the White House, has energized crypto advocates who see government support as a potential catalyst for faster mainstream adoption.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
But that hasn’t stopped the charge against them from going mainstream.
—Rachel Sugar, The Atlantic, 11 Apr. 2025
Just as more education is needed, particularly in underserved areas, so are more mainstream narratives of Black women who’ve been diagnosed with cervical insufficiency.
—Essence, 11 Apr. 2025
Verb
What’s striking is how quickly premium sleep tech has moved from medical to mainstream.
—Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
In recent years, the pharmaceutical landscape has witnessed a seismic shift as cannabinoids transition from niche alternatives to mainstream medical solutions.
—Calvin Rasode, Rolling Stone, 2 Apr. 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 28 Apr. 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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