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

We could argue the many, many inhumane points of Trumpist decrees if we were actually interested in discussing policy or, say, the mainline Christianity I once knew as a Presbyterian.

Read more on Salon

With that guidance, officials canceled plans to transfer most of the inmates to mainline prisons.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

On being told of Tilly’s existence by an interviewer for Variety, “Please stop,” she insisted, while demanding that mainline studios and talent agencies refrain from trafficking with AI actresses.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

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.

Read more on 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.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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