mainstream

American  

[meyn-streem] / ˈmeɪnˌstrim /

noun

1. the principal or dominant course, tendency, or trend.

   the mainstream of American culture.

2. a river having tributaries.

3. regular school classes or regular schools.

   keeping autistic students in the mainstream.

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adjective

1. belonging to or characteristic of a principal, dominant, or widely accepted group, movement, style, etc..

   mainstream Republicans;

   a mainstream artist;

   mainstream media.

2. of, relating to, or characteristic of jazz falling historically between Dixieland and modern jazz; specifically, swing music.

verb (used with object)

1. to send into the mainstream; cause to join the main force, group, etc..

   to mainstream young people into the labor force.

2. to place (students with disabilities) in regular school classes.

verb (used without object)

1. to join or be placed in the mainstream.

mainstream British  

/ ˈmeɪnˌstriːm /

noun

1. 1. the main current (of a river, cultural trend, etc)

      in the mainstream of modern literature

   2. ( as modifier )

      mainstream politics

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adjective

1. of or relating to the style of jazz that lies between the traditional and the modern

mainstream Cultural  

1. The prevailing current or direction of a movement or influence: “The candidate's speech represented the mainstream thinking on economic policy.”

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Etymology

Origin of mainstream

First recorded in 1660–70; main ¹ + stream

Example Sentences

The story has since gained traction because it was reported by mainstream outlets, lending an unusual layer of legitimacy to what might otherwise be dismissed as a fringe anecdote.

From Salon • Apr. 5, 2026

But tech journalist Kara Swisher argues its "gorgeous marketing" helped catapult it into the mainstream.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

Those optics are not positive for mainstream crypto adoption and could mark a new policy risk.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

Formed in 2010, Turnstile broke into the mainstream with the 2021 album “Glow On,” which earned the band its first Grammy nominations.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

In a religious context, cult refers to a relatively small group of people dedicated to a set of beliefs that are outside mainstream theology.

From "An Indigenous People’s History of the United States" by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz