plural mediums or media
ˈmē-dē-ə 
1
a
: something in a middle position
These shirts are all mediums.
b
: a middle condition or degree : mean
Look for a happy medium.
2
: a means of effecting or conveying something: such as
a
plural usually media
(1)
: a channel or system of communication, information, or entertainment compare mass medium
(2)
: a publication or broadcast that carries advertising
(3)
: a mode of artistic expression or communication
as his literary medium he has chosen a biographical form—
Ernest Newman
Ernest Newman
(4)
: something (such as a magnetic disk) on which information may be stored
b
media plural
: digital audio or video files available for playback or streaming
… the free video broadcasts can be downloaded to portable media players from a number of popular pod[cast] and vodcast Web sites.—Steve Miller
Steve MillerApple's current keyboards can use the function keys … for alternate functions such as controlling volume, screen brightness, media playback …—Dan Frakes
Dan Frakes
c
: material or technical means of artistic expression (such as paint and canvas, sculptural stone, or literary or musical form)
d
plural mediums
: an individual held to be a channel of communication between the earthly world and a world of spirits
e(1)
: a substance regarded as the means of transmission (see transmission sense 1) of a force or effect
air is the medium that conveys sound
(2)
: a surrounding or enveloping substance
(3)
: the tenuous material (such as gas and dust) in space that exists outside large agglomerations (see agglomeration sense 2) of matter (such as stars)
interstellar medium
f
: go-between, intermediary
the medium of introduction was no doubt … the publisher—Richard Garnett
Richard Garnett3
a
: a condition or environment in which something may function or flourish
Ocean fish live in a medium of salt water.
b
plural media
(1)
: a nutrient system for the artificial cultivation of cells or organisms and especially bacteria
(2)
: a fluid or solid in which organic (see organic entry 1 sense 1) structures are placed (as for preservation or mounting)
c
: a liquid with which pigment is mixed by a painter
Is media singular or plural?: Usage Guide
The singular media and its plural medias seem to have originated in the field of advertising over 70 years ago; they are still so used without stigma in that specialized field. In most other applications media is used as a plural of medium. The popularity of the word in references to the agencies of mass communication is leading to the formation of a mass noun, construed as a singular.
there's no basis for it. You know, the news media gets on to something
—Edwin Meese 3d
Edwin Meese 3d
the media is less interested in the party's policies
—James Lewis, Guardian Weekly
James Lewis, Guardian Weekly
This use is not as well established as the mass-noun use of data and is likely to incur criticism especially in writing.
: intermediate in quantity, quality, position, size, or degree
Synonyms
Examples of medium in a Sentence
Noun
These shirts are all mediums and I take a large.
Make my French fries a medium.
Her preferred medium is sculpture.
The artist works in two media, pencil and watercolor.
Adjective
These T-shirts are available in three sizes: small, medium, and large.
a person of medium build
How would you like your steak, sir: rare, medium, or well-done?
See More
Recent Examples on the WebMithil Aggarwal, NBC News, 10 Sep. 2023
Many of us have been affected by layoffs in tech and media.
—Brad Mislow, CBS News, 10 Sep. 2023
Indian state media shared visuals of the meeting on social media.
—Aamer Madhani and Josh Boak The Associated Press, Arkansas Online, 9 Sep. 2023
But with a more partisan media environment, the power of social media and campaign finance laws that have moved money away from parties to outside groups and political action committees, the institutional parties themselves have become weaker.
—Dan Balz, Anchorage Daily News, 9 Sep. 2023
Local media reported that first responders were initially hampered when roads to the mountain region around the quake’s epicenter were jammed with vehicles and blocked with rocks.
—Souhail Karam, Fortune, 9 Sep. 2023
Marrakesh was among the most affected cities, according to local media, although the shock was also felt in other cities, including in Casablanca, Rabat, and Fez.
—Kelsey Ables, Washington Post, 9 Sep. 2023
For the first time in 17 years on Monday, Nick Saban didn't provide media with an official depth chart ahead of an Alabama football season because the public dissemination of it puts backup players too much in their feelings.
—USA TODAY, 30 Aug. 2023
Though shooting has slowed substantially due to the writers and actors strikes, when labor disputes aren’t taking place, many producers and media companies are hard-pressed to find space.
—Brent Lang, Variety, 29 Aug. 2023
Jasmine Smith, Southern Living, 10 Sep. 2023
While appeals may delay any payments, eligible customers who were charged a service fee should submit a claim no later than Jan. 10, 2024 to receive either a cash payment or up to two free medium entrée vouchers that can be redeemed on Panda Express’ website or app.
—Bailey Schulz, USA TODAY, 31 Aug. 2023
Under Armour Rival Fleece Joggers A super cozy pick, these Under Armour joggers are made from a soft cotton-blend fleece with a medium weight that’s great for cooler weather or chilly airplanes.
—Phoebe Sklansky, Travel + Leisure, 30 Aug. 2023
The untoasted oil can also be used to cook with over low or medium heat.
—Aaron Hutcherson, Washington Post, 25 Aug. 2023
Prepare the Streusel: Whisk together flour, oats, brown sugar, pecans, apple pie spice, and salt in a medium bowl.
—Anna Theoktisto, Southern Living, 24 Aug. 2023
Drain and set aside. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
—Robin Miller, The Arizona Republic, 18 Aug. 2023
Gomez's nails are noticeably longer than her usual medium length but still shaped into her preferred squoval.
—Kara Nesvig, Allure, 18 Aug. 2023
Set a medium nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
—Kim Sunée, Anchorage Daily News, 17 Aug. 2023
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Noun
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits the media center during the G20 summit on Sunday.
—Mithil Aggarwal, NBC News, 10 Sep. 2023
Many of us have been affected by layoffs in tech and media.
—Brad Mislow, CBS News, 10 Sep. 2023
Indian state media shared visuals of the meeting on social media.
—Aamer Madhani and Josh Boak The Associated Press, Arkansas Online, 9 Sep. 2023
But with a more partisan media environment, the power of social media and campaign finance laws that have moved money away from parties to outside groups and political action committees, the institutional parties themselves have become weaker.
—Dan Balz, Anchorage Daily News, 9 Sep. 2023
Local media reported that first responders were initially hampered when roads to the mountain region around the quake’s epicenter were jammed with vehicles and blocked with rocks.
—Souhail Karam, Fortune, 9 Sep. 2023
Marrakesh was among the most affected cities, according to local media, although the shock was also felt in other cities, including in Casablanca, Rabat, and Fez.
—Kelsey Ables, Washington Post, 9 Sep. 2023
For the first time in 17 years on Monday, Nick Saban didn't provide media with an official depth chart ahead of an Alabama football season because the public dissemination of it puts backup players too much in their feelings.
—USA TODAY, 30 Aug. 2023
Though shooting has slowed substantially due to the writers and actors strikes, when labor disputes aren’t taking place, many producers and media companies are hard-pressed to find space.
—Brent Lang, Variety, 29 Aug. 2023
Adjective
Cook until tender: Cover the pot, and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the contents are tender.
—Jasmine Smith, Southern Living, 10 Sep. 2023
While appeals may delay any payments, eligible customers who were charged a service fee should submit a claim no later than Jan. 10, 2024 to receive either a cash payment or up to two free medium entrée vouchers that can be redeemed on Panda Express’ website or app.
—Bailey Schulz, USA TODAY, 31 Aug. 2023
Under Armour Rival Fleece Joggers A super cozy pick, these Under Armour joggers are made from a soft cotton-blend fleece with a medium weight that’s great for cooler weather or chilly airplanes.
—Phoebe Sklansky, Travel + Leisure, 30 Aug. 2023
The untoasted oil can also be used to cook with over low or medium heat.
—Aaron Hutcherson, Washington Post, 25 Aug. 2023
Prepare the Streusel: Whisk together flour, oats, brown sugar, pecans, apple pie spice, and salt in a medium bowl.
—Anna Theoktisto, Southern Living, 24 Aug. 2023
Drain and set aside. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
—Robin Miller, The Arizona Republic, 18 Aug. 2023
Gomez's nails are noticeably longer than her usual medium length but still shaped into her preferred squoval.
—Kara Nesvig, Allure, 18 Aug. 2023
Set a medium nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
—Kim Sunée, Anchorage Daily News, 17 Aug. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'medium.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Phrases Containing medium
Dictionary Entries Near medium
Cite this Entry
“Medium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/medium. Accessed 25 Sep. 2023.
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Kids Definition
medium
1 of 2 noun
me·di·um
ˈmēd-ē-əm
plural mediums or media
ˈmēd- ē-ə
1
a
: something that is between or in the middle
b
: a middle condition or degree
2
: the thing by which or through which something is done
money is a medium of exchange
especially
: a substance through which a force acts or by which something is carried
air is the common medium of sound
3
plural usually media
: a form or system (as newspapers, radio, or television) of communication, information, or entertainment
4
plural mediums
: a person through whom others seek to communicate with the spirits of the dead
5
: a surrounding substance or condition : environment
marine fish live in a medium of salt water
6
plural media
a
: a nourishing system for the artificial cultivation of microorganisms (as bacteria) or cells
b
: a fluid or solid in which plant or animal parts are placed (as for mounting or preserving)
medium
2 of 2 adjective
: intermediate in amount, quality, position, or degree
Medical Definition
medium
noun
me·di·um
ˈmēd-ē-əm
plural mediums or media
-ē-ə
1
: a means of effecting or conveying something: as
a
: a substance regarded as the means of transmission of a force or effect
b
: a surrounding or enveloping substance
2
plural media
a
: a nutrient system for the artificial cultivation of cells or organisms and especially bacteria
b
: a fluid or solid in which organic structures are placed (as for preservation or mounting)
More from Merriam-Webster on medium
Nglish: Translation of medium for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of medium for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about medium
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