popular culture

[pop-yuh-ler kuhl-cher]

noun

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

   Most artists are influenced by a variety of external sources, including popular culture.

   The actor's role in the series made her an important figure in popular culture.

Word History and Origins

Origin of popular culture¹

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

Yet, aside from Harvey Weinstein, it’s difficult to conjure many names in popular culture that actually faced any tangible consequences.

Read more on Salon

A woman who knows that I write about women and popular culture told me about this amazing Norwegian series on Netflix that she couldn’t remember the name of.

Read more on Salon

Mary Corey, a senior continuing lecturer at UCLA’s history department who studies American social movements and popular culture, said Kirk’s death disturbed her.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

She said the "traditional top hitters" always make the list, but beneath those are names influenced by popular culture.

Read more on BBC

Even the rise of a distinctive American popular culture was infused with defenses of white supremacy and slavery.

Read more on Salon