midstream

American  

[mid-streem] / ˈmɪdˈstrim /

noun

1. the middle of a stream.

2. the middle period of a process, course, or the like.

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midstream British  

/ ˈmɪdˌstriːm /

noun

1. the middle of a stream or river

2. the middle of a process or action

   they tried to change the rules in midstream

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adverb

1. in or towards the middle of a stream or river

   moored midstream

midstream Idioms  

1. see change horses midstream.

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Etymology

Origin of midstream

First recorded in 1275–1325, midstream is from the Middle English word myddstreme. See mid-, stream

Example Sentences

Chevron now imports the equivalent of 250,000 barrels of Venezuelan crude oil per day, on average, says Andy Walz, president of downstream, midstream and chemicals at Chevron.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

Now, tribe officials say the state is ending its support, potentially causing salmon restoration efforts on the McCloud River to die midstream.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

Maybank maintains a neutral stance on the oil-and-gas sector, with Dialog as its top pick, citing upstream exposure and stable midstream income.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026

While under pressure to possibly change horses midstream, Warner Bros.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 26, 2026

Everything was fine until we reached midstream, where the current was much swifter.

From "Where the Red Fern Grows" by Wilson Rawls