popular culture

American

[pop-yuh-ler kuhl-cher] / ˈpɒp yə lər ˈkʌl tʃər /

noun

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.

Etymology

Origin of popular culture

First recorded in 1850–55

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.

But Altman wanted OpenAI to also be the AI company that used the technology to reshape popular culture and entertainment.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

Each newly discovered species must be given a scientific name, and researchers often draw inspiration from people, experiences, or even popular culture.

From Science Daily • Mar. 25, 2026

Cosby was a towering figure in late 20th century American popular culture, including for his starring role in "The Cosby Show," which ran from 1984 to 1992.

From Barron's • Mar. 23, 2026

Andy Spinoza, who wrote Manchester Unspun, a detailed account of the city's recent transformation told through the lens of popular culture, says the city has "a unique hand".

From BBC • Feb. 14, 2026

But for anyone who's more familiar with the strict-foreign-parent archetype in popular culture, let's break down the stereotypes associated with Persian moms and dads.

From "Americanized" by Sara Saedi

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023