adj

mainline

MAYN-lyn

Mainline (adj) means belonging to the principal, standard, or most widely accepted version of something. Example: “The band moved from underground clubs into mainline radio play.”

adj

Belonging to the principal, standard, or most widely accepted version of something.

"The band moved from underground clubs into mainline radio play."

verb

To inject a drug directly into a vein.

"The character in the film is shown mainlining heroin."

How to use mainline

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAs an adjective, "standard" or "mainstream"; as a verb, injecting a drug straight into a vein.

When to use it

The drug-injection sense is informal and appears mostly in reference to hard drug use.

Word forms

mainlined past tense, mainlines singular

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The band moved from underground clubs into _____ radio play.

Etymology

From main + line.

Rhymes for mainline

nine mine wine line sine dine fine vine pine tine thine shine

See all rhymes for mainline →

Frequently asked questions

What does “mainline” mean?

The word “mainline” means belonging to the principal, standard, or most widely accepted version of something. In plain terms, as an adjective, "standard" or "mainstream"; as a verb, injecting a drug straight into a vein.

How do you pronounce “mainline”?

“Mainline” is pronounced MAYN-lyn (/ˈmeɪnˌlaɪn/ in IPA).

How do you use “mainline” in a sentence?

Here is “mainline” used in a sentence: “The band moved from underground clubs into mainline radio play.”

What part of speech is “mainline”?

Depending on how it is used, “mainline” can be an adjective and a verb.

How many meanings does “mainline” have?

“Mainline” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: belonging to the principal, standard, or most widely accepted version of something.