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Synonyms

pop culture

American  
[pop kuhl-cher] / ˈpɒp ˈkʌl tʃər /

adjective

  1. Also pop cultural relating, referring, or belonging to cultural and commercial artifacts, media, and entertainment reflecting, suited to, or aimed at the tastes of the general masses of people.

    The pop culture view of knights is often oversimplified.

Etymology

Origin of pop culture

First recorded in 1955–60

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.

Gay is an internationally acclaimed author, professor and social commentator whose work explores the intersections of race, gender and pop culture.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

In the late 90s and the 2000s, television programs still generated pop culture watershed moments that everyone experienced at once.

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

Many were raised in “immigrant households, with a ravenous appreciation for American pop culture, sneakers, graphic T-shirts, and hip-hop.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Demons, on the other hand, are a big trend in pop culture in recent years.

From Salon • Apr. 1, 2026

This led to a global fascination with 1980s pop culture.

From "Ready Player One: A Novel" by Ernest Cline