cultural
Americanadjective
adjective
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of or relating to artistic or social pursuits or events considered to be valuable or enlightened
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of or relating to a culture or civilization
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(of certain varieties of plant) obtained by specialized breeding
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of cultural
Explanation
The adjective cultural comes from the noun "culture" but has several, subtly different meanings, depending on context. The chief meaning is anything having to do human intellectual or creative output. The word cultural is often used as a synonym for "ethnic," as in, "cultural diversity," which means a variety of people. But it also means having to do with the arts and creativity. When you move, you'll want to move somewhere with a vibrant cultural life—lots of museums, libraries, and concert halls. In the middle is a term like "cultural anthropology," which is the study of a population's work, arts, lifestyles, and ways of interacting.
Vocabulary lists containing cultural
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“As a Texan, I am proud of the cultural melting pot that makes our state so great and this collaboration is such a fun example of that.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 8, 2026
The practice may have carried cultural meaning as well as practical benefits.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 6, 2026
The monal, a pheasant native to Himalayan mountain forests, is deeply woven into the region's cultural, folklore and identity.
From BBC ● Oct. 6, 2026
In Tokyo, ube importer Mercado said he backed the Philippine government's move, which he believed would protect the country's cultural heritage.
From Barron's ● Oct. 6, 2026
This chapter will offer music suggestions to inspire older children, including cultural games, songs, and dances.
From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
