midstream
Americannoun
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the middle of a stream.
-
the middle period of a process, course, or the like.
noun
-
the middle of a stream or river
-
the middle of a process or action
they tried to change the rules in midstream
adverb
Etymology
Origin of midstream
First recorded in 1275–1325, midstream is from the Middle English word myddstreme. See mid-, stream
Vocabulary lists containing midstream
Florida's B.E.S.T. Common Prefixes: mid-
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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.
It is also a live demonstration of Dixon’s argument: When the rules change midstream, confusion does not merely accompany the process.
From Slate ● Aug. 14, 2026
“A dedicated project that brings refined products into the state will be critical for its energy security,” said Donald Baldridge, a midstream and chemicals executive at Phillips 66.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 11, 2026
Expand’s integration strategy could become even more costly if the company is able to add midstream assets, they add.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 28, 2026
U.S. commercial stocks are held everywhere — in pipelines, in refineries, and in tanks belonging to midstream companies and exploration and production companies.
From MarketWatch ● Jun. 6, 2026
The captain shouted an order, and the vessel began to turn ponderously against the current, maneuvering out into midstream and giving a blast on the whistle that echoed for a long time around the valley.
From "The Amber Spyglass" by Philip Pullman
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
