middle-of-the-road

American  

[mid-l-uhv-thuh-rohd] / ˈmɪd l əv ðəˈroʊd /

adjective

1. favoring, following, or characterized by an intermediate position between two extremes, especially in politics; moderate.

2. of, relating to, or describing a type of popular music that avoids extremes of style and is catchy and tuneful enough to have broad appeal. MOR

---

noun

1. Also called easy listening.  popular music having comparatively conventional, melodic qualities and hence having broad commercial appeal. MOR

middle-of-the-road British  

adjective

1. not extreme, esp in political views; moderate

2. of, denoting, or relating to popular music having a wide general appeal

---

Other Word Forms

• middle-of-the-roader noun
• middle-of-the-roadism noun

Etymology

Origin of middle-of-the-road

An Americanism dating back to 1890–95

Example Sentences

That middle-of-the-road phrasing is a result of the rising perils of wading into hot-button issues in recent years.

From Barron's • Jan. 26, 2026

Since then, many comedians have headlined the dinner, ranging from middle-of-the-road talents like Jay Leno to outspoken icons like Richard Pryor and George Carlin.

From Salon • Apr. 2, 2025

You could buy a humdrum, middle-of-the-road robe from various big-box retailers, but a statement robe signals that you are, in fact, the kind of person who wants to be noticed and appreciated for their taste.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 14, 2025

People still bought CDs in supermarkets and Woolworths, and the majority of those CDs were dreary, middle-of-the-road efforts by acts like Katie Melua, Il Divo and Keane.

From BBC • Oct. 31, 2024

As the nomination of Bryan for President was practically a foregone conclusion, the "middle-of-the-road" element concentrated its energies on preventing the nomination of Arthur Sewall of Maine, the choice of the Democracy, for Vice-President.

From The Agrarian Crusade; a chronicle of the farmer in politics by Buck, Solon J. (Solon Justus)