adj
Common
mainstream
mayn-streem
Mainstream (adj) means Widely accepted as normal or conventional, rather than niche or fringe. Example: “Once a fringe hobby, vegan cooking has now become part of mainstream culture.”
adj
1
Widely accepted as normal or conventional, rather than niche or fringe.
"Once a fringe hobby, vegan cooking has now become part of mainstream culture."
"The band went from underground to mainstream success."
"Mainstream media covered the story within hours."
verb
1
To bring something into general, widespread use or acceptance.
"Online shopping helped mainstream home delivery for everyday groceries."
"The campaign hopes to mainstream recycling so that every household takes part."
"Streaming services helped mainstream binge-watching."
How to use mainstream
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe ideas, tastes, or media accepted by most people, as opposed to niche or alternative ones.
Common pairings
mainstream media
go mainstream
mainstream culture
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Word forms
- Plural
- mainstreams
- Third person singular
- mainstreams
- Past tense
- mainstreamed
- Comparative
- more mainstream
- Superlative
- most mainstream
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Once a fringe hobby, vegan cooking has now become part of _____ culture.
Etymology
From main + stream.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for mainstream
See all rhymes for mainstream →Frequently asked questions
What does “mainstream” mean?
The word “mainstream” means widely accepted as normal or conventional, rather than niche or fringe. In plain terms, the ideas, tastes, or media accepted by most people, as opposed to niche or alternative ones.
How do you pronounce “mainstream”?
“Mainstream” is pronounced mayn-streem (/meɪn.stɹiːm/ in IPA).
How do you use “mainstream” in a sentence?
Here is “mainstream” used in a sentence: “The band went from underground to mainstream success.”
What is the opposite of “mainstream”?
The opposite of “mainstream” — its antonyms — are fringe, nonmainstream and alternative.
What part of speech is “mainstream”?
Depending on how it is used, “mainstream” can be an adjective and a verb.
Is “mainstream” a common word?
“Mainstream” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “mainstream” have?
“Mainstream” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: widely accepted as normal or conventional, rather than niche or fringe.
What is the difference between "mainstream" and "popular"?
"Mainstream" means widely accepted as normal or conventional, while "popular" means liked or enjoyed by many people. Something can be popular within a niche without being mainstream, and mainstream ideas are not always the most liked.
What is the difference between "mainstream" and "niche"?
"Mainstream" describes what is broadly accepted by most people, while "niche" describes something aimed at a small, specialized group. They are near opposites, with mainstream at the center of general taste and niche at its edges.
Can "mainstream" be used as a noun?
Yes, "the mainstream" is often used as a noun to mean the prevailing trend, opinion, or style shared by most people. Something outside it is described as being on the fringe or outside the mainstream.
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