mainstreaming
|main-stream-ing|
/ˈmeɪnstriːmɪŋ/
(mainstream)
dominant trend
Etymology
'mainstreaming' originates from English, specifically the word 'mainstream', where 'main' comes from Old English elements meaning 'principal or chief' and 'stream' comes from Old English 'stream' meaning 'a flow or current'.
'mainstream' formed in modern English by combining 'main' + 'stream' (late 19th century usage in the sense of the principal current or dominant trend). The verb 'mainstream' was later formed from that noun, and 'mainstreaming' developed as its present participle/gerund and as a noun describing the process.
Initially it referred to the 'principal current' or dominant trend; over time it developed verb and noun senses meaning 'to bring into the dominant trend' or 'the process of making something part of the mainstream'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the process or act of making something part of the mainstream (the dominant trend, system, or group).
The mainstreaming of inclusive education has led schools to adapt their classrooms and teaching methods.
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Verb 1
present participle or gerund form of 'mainstream' — to integrate or bring into the mainstream.
The government is mainstreaming disability policy across all departments.
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Adjective 1
serving to make something part of the mainstream or characteristic of the process of integration.
They discussed several mainstreaming strategies during the workshop.
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Last updated: 2025/11/15 17:15