cultural history

American  

[kuhl-cher-uhl his-tree, his-tuh-ree] / ˈkʌl tʃər əl ˈhɪs tri, ˈhɪs tə ri /

noun

cultural histories plural

1. a study or account of a society's past that focuses on aspects of culture, such as the development of ideas, the arts, religion, lifestyle, etc., rather than primarily political events.

2. a study or account of a particular period in the past that compares and contrasts major cultures active at the time in terms of their rise and fall and the forces at work, including contact with each other and mutual influence.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• cultural historian
  noun
• cultural-historical
  adjective

Inflected Forms

noun

• cultural histories
  plural

Example Sentences

At a recent exhibition in Mumbai city - called A History of India through Chairs - more than 200 chairs mapped the country's cultural history through their unique designs and woodwork.

From BBC • Mar. 13, 2026

“They’re places of sanctuary that are built in cities, where you can walk around in a more pastoral setting,” says David Monod, retired professor of American cultural history at Wilfrid Laurier University.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 15, 2026

"This process was essential because the findings are deeply connected to Colombia's medical and cultural history," said Delgado.

From Science Daily • Jan. 26, 2026

Besides artifacts from pop music, rock ’n’ roll and Tejon cultural history, Kelley said, “We are going to have some Buck Owens memorabilia. It just wouldn’t be right not to.”

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 13, 2025

We shall therefore trace writing’s development not only because of its inherent importance, but also for the general insights into cultural history that it provides.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond