mashup: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal, common in tech, media, and business contexts.
Quick answer
What does “mashup” mean?
A digital composition created by combining elements from two or more different sources, especially audio tracks, videos, or web applications.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A digital composition created by combining elements from two or more different sources, especially audio tracks, videos, or web applications.
More broadly, any creative work or product that blends disparate elements, styles, or genres to create something new. Can refer to cultural hybrids, business models, or software integrations.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is nearly identical. Slightly more established in US tech/media lexicon, but fully adopted in UK.
Connotations
Positive connotations of innovation and remix culture. Can be slightly informal or jargon-y in formal writing.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both varieties within relevant domains (tech, media).
Grammar
How to Use “mashup” in a Sentence
[Noun] + mashup + [of + Noun Phrase]mashup + [between + Noun Phrase and Noun Phrase]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mashup” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The DJ played an incredible mashup of Queen and Daft Punk.
- Their new site is a clever mashup of a blog and a social network.
American English
- He created a viral mashup of three different movie trailers.
- The app is a useful mashup of calendar and map functions.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to combining services/products (e.g., 'a travel site mashup of maps and reviews').
Academic
Used in media/cultural studies to discuss hybrid texts or remix culture.
Everyday
Most commonly for music or funny videos combining two pop culture sources.
Technical
In software, a web application that integrates data/presentation from multiple external sources via APIs.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mashup”
- Using 'mashup' for a simple mixture without transformative creativity (e.g., 'a mashup of nuts and raisins').
- Spelling as two words ('mash up') when used as a noun.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
As a noun, it is one word ('mashup'). As a verb phrase, it is two words ('to mash up').
The verb form is typically 'mash up' (two words). For example, 'They mashed up 80s synth-pop with modern hip-hop beats.'
In music, they are very similar. A mashup often combines vocal/instrumental tracks from two or more distinct songs. A remix usually reworks a single original track. In tech, 'mashup' is standard for combined web services.
No, it is informal but standard in tech, media, and business writing. Avoid in very formal academic or legal documents where 'composite', 'hybrid', or 'integration' might be preferred.
A digital composition created by combining elements from two or more different sources, especially audio tracks, videos, or web applications.
Mashup: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmæʃʌp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmæʃˌəp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A mashup of [X] and [Y]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of MASHing two things UP together in a blender.
Conceptual Metaphor
CREATION IS COMBINATION; IDEAS/ARTEFACTS ARE INGREDIENTS TO BE MIXED.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'mashup' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?