mainline

[meyn-lahyn, -lahyn]

verb (used without object)

Slang.

mainlined, mainlining 

1. to inject a narcotic, especially heroin, directly into a vein.

2. to use or enjoy something without restriction.

   to mainline on TV movies.

verb (used with object)

Slang.

mainlined, mainlining 

1. to inject (a narcotic, especially heroin) directly into a vein.

2. to use, enjoy, or imbibe (something) without restriction.

   mainlining coffee all day long.

adjective

1. having a principal, established, or widely accepted position; major; mainstream.

   the membership of mainline churches.

Word History and Origins

Origin of mainline¹

1935–40, v., adj. use of main line

Example Sentences

That critique assumes great masses of voters devour campaign memoirs with the same voracious appetite as those who surrender their Sundays to the Beltway chat shows, or mainline political news like a continuous IV drip.

From Los Angeles Times

Christian nationalism, which is rejected by mainline Christians, holds that the United States was founded as a Christian nation and that the faith should have primacy in government and law.

From Los Angeles Times

The first phase will run until 1 October, with a contraflow system established on the M8's mainline carriageway at Junction 26 - meaning traffic will go in the opposite direction to how it should normally flow.

From BBC

A ground stop was issued for the company's mainline flights from departure airports, causing issues at airports including Chicago, Denver, Houston, San Francisco and New Jersey.

From BBC

The previous Conservative UK government originally supported the electrification of the south Wales mainline to Swansea, but later cancelled it beyond Cardiff.

From BBC

Related Words

• dominant 
• key 
• leading 
• main 
• major 
• outstanding 
• paramount 
• predominant 
• preeminent 
• primary 
• prime 
• prominent