mainstream

/ˈmeɪn.stɹiːm/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: mainstreams · mainstreaming · mainstreamed

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Used or accepted broadly rather than by small portions of population, market, scientific community, etc.

Nghĩa · Tiếng Việt

được sử dụng hoặc chấp nhận rộng rãi

Machine-translated — suggest a fix

Adjective

Examples

They often carry stories you won't find in the mainstream media.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

The principal current in a flow, such as a river or flow of air

Nghĩa · Tiếng Việt

dòng chảy chính trong một luồng, như sông hoặc luồng không khí

Machine-translated — suggest a fix

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

That which is common; the norm.

Nghĩa · Tiếng Việt

Điều chung, thông thường

Machine-translated — suggest a fix

Noun

Examples

ideas outside of the mainstream

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

To popularize, to normalize, to render mainstream.

Nghĩa · Tiếng Việt

Làm cho phổ biến, bình thường hóa

Machine-translated — suggest a fix

Verb

Examples

Just as the gang peace movement desired to mainstream hardcore bangers into civic society, The Chronic wanted to drive hardcore rap into the popstream.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “mainstream” mean?

Used or accepted broadly rather than by small portions of population, market, scientific community, etc.

Is “mainstream” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.