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mainstream media

American

[meyn-streem mee-dee-uh] / ˈmeɪnˌstrim ˈmi di ə /

noun

(usually used with a plural verb)

the traditional forms of mass media, as television, radio, magazines, and newspapers, as opposed to online means of mass communication. MSM

Etymology

Origin of mainstream media

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

After years of blowing spitballs at mainstream media, she was joining the cool kids’ table.

From Slate • May 6, 2026

Due to mainstream media coverage, he argued, “an idea can become potent through its rapid depiction in culture—including in articles such as this one, which maxes maxxing even as it attempts to minimize it, somewhat.”

From Salon • Apr. 6, 2026

Oliver says Tasha is a "brilliant representative" of somebody that uses a cochlear implant - a small electronic device that helps her to hear - within mainstream media.

From BBC • Feb. 19, 2026

“Evie started for women who didn’t feel represented by the mainstream media, for women who love beauty, romance, aspiration,” said Hugoboom, 34.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 18, 2026

What is more problematic, though, is that hardly anyone in the mainstream media noticed the oversight.

From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023