media
MEE-dee-uh
Media (noun) means the organizations and channels — television, newspapers, radio, and the internet — that gather and spread news and entertainment to the public. Example: “The story was picked up by media outlets across the country.”
noun
1
The organizations and channels — television, newspapers, radio, and the internet — that gather and spread news and entertainment to the public.
"The story was picked up by media outlets across the country."
"She works in media, producing segments for a local news station."
"Many young people now get their news from social media rather than traditional media."
2
Digital files such as photos, audio, and video, as opposed to plain text.
"The app lets you upload media directly from your phone."
"The website stores all your media, including holiday photos and short videos."
"Large media files can take a long time to load on slow connections."
How to use media
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe umbrella term for the news and entertainment industry, or for digital pictures/video/audio files.
Common mistake
Technically the plural of "medium," but in everyday use "media" is treated as a singular mass noun ("the media is," not "are").
Common pairings
social media
mass media
media coverage
media outlet
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Word forms
- Plural
- medias, mediae
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The story was picked up by _____ outlets across the country.
Etymology
From Latin media, the plural of medium ("middle" or "a means"), borrowed into English as a collective term for channels of mass communication.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for media
See all rhymes for media →Frequently asked questions
What does “media” mean?
The word “media” means the organizations and channels — television, newspapers, radio, and the internet — that gather and spread news and entertainment to the public. In plain terms, the umbrella term for the news and entertainment industry, or for digital pictures/video/audio files.
How do you pronounce “media”?
“Media” is pronounced MEE-dee-uh (/ˈmi.di.ə/ in IPA).
How do you use “media” in a sentence?
Here is “media” used in a sentence: “The story was picked up by media outlets across the country.”
What part of speech is “media”?
“Media” is a noun.
Where does the word “media” come from?
The word “media” comes from Latin. From Latin media, the plural of medium ("middle" or "a means"), borrowed into English as a collective term for channels of mass communication.
Is “media” a common word?
“Media” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “media” have?
“Media” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the organizations and channels — television, newspapers, radio, and the internet — that gather and spread news and entertainment to the public.
Is "media" singular or plural?
Strictly, media is the plural of "medium," so traditionalists write "the media are." In everyday usage it is very often treated as a singular collective noun — "the media is" — when referring to the press as a whole. Both are widely accepted today, though formal writing tends to keep the plural.
What are the main types of media?
Media is usually grouped into three kinds: print (newspapers and magazines), broadcast (television and radio), and digital or online (websites, streaming, and social platforms). Some also separate out social media, where the public creates and shares content, from traditional outlets run by professional news organizations.
What is the difference between media and social media?
Media is the broad term for all channels that spread news and entertainment, including TV, radio, and newspapers. Social media is one part of it — online platforms like Facebook or Instagram where ordinary users post and share content themselves, rather than receiving it from a professional newsroom.
What is the difference between the media and the press?
"The press" traditionally means news journalists and print outlets, and by extension news reporting in general. "The media" is broader, covering the press plus television, radio, and online channels, and entertainment as well as news. All press is media, but media includes much more than the press.
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