Word
mainline
Phoneticsmain·line, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈmeɪnˌɫaɪn/
UK/mˈeɪnlaɪn/
Definition
v. to inject a drug directly into a vein. In a more general way, it can mean to experience or consume something very quickly and intensely.
v. to inject a drug intravenously; by extension, to consume or integrate something in a direct, concentrated, or unfiltered manner. Often used metaphorically in computing to describe merging code into a primary development branch.
Examples
“He was caught trying to mainline heroin in the alley.”
“The developer worked all weekend to mainline the new security patches into the software's core repository.”
“Fans of the series tend to mainline every new season in a single sitting, consuming the entire narrative arc before the spoilers can reach social media.”
Examples
simple
“He was caught trying to mainline heroin in the alley.”
contextual
“The developer worked all weekend to mainline the new security patches into the software's core repository.”
complex
“Fans of the series tend to mainline every new season in a single sitting, consuming the entire narrative arc before the spoilers can reach social media.”
Usage
The verb is transitive and typically takes a direct object representing the substance or content being consumed.
Real-World Examples
“It’s an intriguing selection, spanning a Game Boy Colour reimagination, a PlayStation Portable prequel, and the culmination of the mainline series respectively.” “Participants' faiths included evangelical Christian, Catholic, Muslim, Jewish, Latter-day Saint, Sikh, mainline Protestant, Hindu and Buddhist, as well as agnostic, atheist and spiritual nonreligious.” Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 6.0114–120
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
- Updated
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