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

Rebuilding Leonardo's genetic profile would mark a major milestone in both science and cultural history.

From Science Daily • May 4, 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

Alun is a senior lecturer in history who specialises in early modern medicine and has devoted years to researching the cultural history of beards - a niche that he realised was lacking on social media.

From BBC • Sep. 26, 2025

The update reflects family and cultural history, he said.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 3, 2025

The Islands have a long and complex cultural history, but are most known for their rich African-American heritage as white plantation owners left the islands in the 19th century leaving their slaves behind.

From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin