Mainstream — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun adjective verb /ˈmān-ˌstrēm/ (noun) /ˈmān-ˈstrēm/ (verb) main·stream

Meaning & Definition of Mainstream

Mainstream (noun)

  1. a prevailing current or direction of activity or influence

Mainstream (adjective)

  1. having, reflecting, or being compatible with the prevailing attitudes and values of a society or group

Mainstream (verb)

  1. to place (a student, such as a disabled child) in regular school classes
  2. to incorporate in the mainstream

Word Forms of Mainstream

Inflections: mainstreamed, mainstreaming, mainstreams

Derived words: mainstream (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Mainstream

First known use: 1599

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Mainstream

Words & Phrases Containing Mainstream

the mainstream

Frequently Asked Questions about Mainstream

What does "Mainstream" mean?

"Mainstream" means a prevailing current or direction of activity or influence. As an a noun, an adjective and a verb, it is defined as: a prevailing current or direction of activity or influence. It has 4 distinct senses.

Is "Mainstream" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Mainstream" can be used as a noun, an adjective and a verb, depending on the context.

Is "Mainstream" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C1-level word, "Mainstream" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Mainstream"?

"Mainstream" is pronounced /ˈmān-ˌstrēm/ as a noun and /ˈmān-ˈstrēm/ as a verb and divided into syllables as main·stream.

What is the origin of the word "Mainstream"?

First known use: 1599.

What does "Mainstream" mean as a noun?

As a noun, "Mainstream" means: a prevailing current or direction of activity or influence.

What does "Mainstream" mean as an adjective?

As an adjective, "Mainstream" means: having, reflecting, or being compatible with the prevailing attitudes and values of a society or group.

What does "Mainstream" mean as a verb?

As a verb, "Mainstream" means: to place (a student, such as a disabled child) in regular school classes; to incorporate in the mainstream.