mainstream

Mainstream is defined as the popularly accepted trends, ideas, principles and values that are accepted by the majority of people.

(noun)

The collective body of beliefs of the U.S. citizens are an example of the American mainstream.

The definition of mainstream is something considered customary or acceptable by a majority of people.

(adjective)

Ideas that are in accordance with commonly held beliefs in a society are an example of ideas that would be described as mainstream.

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See mainstream in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

  1. the middle of a stream, where the current is strongest
  2. the part of something considered to be the most active, productive, lively, busy, etc.: the mainstream of life
  3. a major or prevailing trend, as of thought, action, literature, or music
  4. Jazz a style of playing that evolved in the 1950s, based on rhythmic and harmonic elements of swing modified slightly by those of bop

transitive verb

  1. to cause to undergo mainstreaming
  2. to bring into the mainstream, as of employment, the economy, or politics

See mainstream in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun
The prevailing current of thought, influence, or activity: “You need not accept the nominee's ideology, only be able to locate it in the American mainstream” (Charles Krauthammer).
adjective
Representing the prevalent attitudes, values, and practices of a society or group: mainstream morality.
transitive verb main·streamed, main·stream·ing, main·streams
  1. To integrate (a student with special needs) into regular school classes.
  2. To incorporate into a prevailing group.

Related Forms:

  • mainˈstreamˌer noun

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