medium

1 of 2

noun

me·​di·​um ˈmē-dē-əm How to pronounce medium (audio)
plural mediums or media ˈmē-dē-ə How to pronounce medium (audio)
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 formErnest 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
Apple's current keyboards can use the function keys … for alternate functions such as controlling volume, screen brightness, media playback …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 publisherRichard Garnett
3
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
the media is less interested in the party's policies 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.

medium

2 of 2

adjective

: intermediate in quantity, quality, position, size, or degree

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?
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Though the pair are now referenced in Russian media — both are academics, one focuses on mathematics and the other on genetics — they are not publicly linked to him, offering no sign that either is being groomed for future leadership. Adam Taylor, Washington Post, 14 Mar. 2024 As France’s highest order of merit, the Grand-Croix de la Legion d’Honneur (which dates back to the Napoleonic era) can only be held by 75 people at the same time, which the palace confirmed to French media. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 14 Mar. 2024 Some online tutorials recommend soaking the pineapple top in water for rooting, but Sparks instead lets the top sit on his counter for about a day before placing it directly in a soil medium and watering every two to three days. Alex Groves, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2024 With Khan and Kanter watching, M&A in the tech, media and telecom sector has slowed. Winston Cho, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Mar. 2024 While experts have warned that, given TikTok's popularity, ByteDance can ask for a pretty penny, the value of the social media app would plummet if this bill becomes law. Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 14 Mar. 2024 Though layoffs remain at low levels, there has been an uptick in job cuts recently, mostly across technology and media. Matt Ott, Quartz, 14 Mar. 2024 The company no longer has staff responsible for answering media inquiries. Barry Collins, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2024 Additional noteworthy features include the extensive media room equipped with french doors leading out to a serene terrace. Natalia Senanayake, Peoplemag, 2 Mar. 2024
Adjective
Place the cream and butter in a small saucepan and set the pan over medium heat. Robin Miller, The Arizona Republic, 14 Mar. 2024 Add remaining 2 tablespoons oil to skillet over medium heat. Sabrina Weiss, Peoplemag, 5 Mar. 2024 Cook in a skillet over medium heat until toasted, turning once. Maggie Meyer Glisan, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Feb. 2024 In a medium bowl, toss the potatoes with 2 tablespoons olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Ali Slagle, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Feb. 2024 The patient will receive a rating of high, medium, or low risk of developing breast cancer and a recommendation of the next steps. ForbesWomen: Get the ForbesWomen newsletter, and supercharge your mission with success stories, tips and more. Lisa Falco, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024 Add shallots, garlic, and a little oil to a medium pot. Judy Bart Kancigor, Orange County Register, 25 Feb. 2024 There are four divisions: small dog (up to 25 pounds), medium dog (26 to 60 pounds) and large dog (61 or more pounds) and Cani Cross (a running harness). Chris Biderman, Sacramento Bee, 23 Feb. 2024 Beautyrest Save up to $1100 off select mattress and adjustable base sets like the hybrid mattress for a medium firm Serta Choose between firm, medium, or plush, and save up to $1100 on select mattresses and adjustable bases during Serta Presidents Day sale. Andrea Navarro, Glamour, 17 Feb. 2024

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

Etymology

Noun and Adjective

Latin, from neuter of medius middle — more at mid

First Known Use

Noun

1589, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

1670, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of medium was in 1589

Dictionary Entries Near medium

Cite this Entry

“Medium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/medium. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

medium

1 of 2 noun
me·​di·​um ˈmēd-ē-əm How to pronounce medium (audio)
plural mediums or media ˈmēd- ē-ə How to pronounce medium (audio)
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 How to pronounce medium (audio)
plural mediums or media -ē-ə How to pronounce medium (audio)
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

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