What does "mainstream" mean?

1. (the majority or norm) the ideas, attitudes, or activities that are shared by most people and regarded as normal or conventional. 2. (popular and common) accepted by most people rather than a small or specialized group. 3. (to make popular) to make something popular or accepted by the general public. 4. (inclusive education) to teach students with special needs in the same classrooms as other students.

How do you use "mainstream"?

Often used in the passive voice: 'the student was mainstreamed'.

mainstream

n. · adj. · v.

US //ˈmeɪnˌstɹim// UK //mˈeɪnstɹiːm// main·stream

1 the majority or norm (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

the ideas, attitudes, or activities that are shared by most people and regarded as normal or conventional.

the prevailing current of thought, influence, or activity within a society. Uncountable in this abstract sense.

Example

His views on the environment have finally moved into the mainstream.

Example

While his early theories were dismissed as radical, they have since been absorbed into the scientific mainstream and are now taught in every university.
- fringe
- subculture
2 popular and common (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

accepted by most people rather than a small or specialized group.

representing the most widespread or common attitudes and values of a society.

Example

Mainstream media outlets are often criticized for ignoring smaller news stories.

Example

The director transitioned from experimental short films to mainstream Hollywood blockbusters without losing his unique visual style.

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3 to make popular (v.)
C1 Advanced Formal

to make something popular or accepted by the general public.

to bring a particular idea, practice, or group into the principal current of society or a specific field. Transitive — takes a direct object.

Example

The government is trying to mainstream renewable energy by offering tax breaks.

Example

The organization works to mainstream disability rights into every level of urban planning and public policy.
- popularize
- normalize
- integrate
- marginalize
4 inclusive education (v.)
C1 Advanced American English Technical Education

to teach students with special needs in the same classrooms as other students.

to integrate students with disabilities or special educational needs into regular school classes. Transitive — takes a direct object.

Example

The school decided to mainstream several students who previously attended a separate center.

Example

Advocates argue that mainstreaming students with learning difficulties fosters a more empathetic and inclusive environment for the entire student body.

Usage

Often used in the passive voice: 'the student was mainstreamed'.
- integrate
- include
- segregate

Origin

From main + stream. Cognate with Icelandic meginstraumur (“a main current, mainstream”).