middle-of-the-road

[mid-l-uh v-th uh-rohd] /ˈmɪd l əv ðəˈroʊd/

adjective

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

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

noun

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

Origin

1890-95, Americanism

Related forms

middle-of-the-roader, noun

middle-of-the-roadism, noun

Examples from the web for middle-of-the-road

But street protests may alienate middle-of-the-road voters and business.
One by one, these expensive yet middle-of-the-road pictures delivered disappointing results or flat-out flopped.
He earned a reputation as a pragmatic jurist whose middle-of-the-road rulings reflect a desire to apply rather than make the law.

British Dictionary definitions for middle-of-the-road

adjective

not extreme, esp in political views; moderate

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

Derived Forms

middle-of-the-roader, noun