subculture

American  

[suhb-kuhl-cher, suhb-kuhl-cher] / sʌbˈkʌl tʃər, ˈsʌbˌkʌl tʃər /

verb (used with object)

subcultured, subculturing

1. Bacteriology. to cultivate (a bacterial strain) again on a new medium.

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noun

1. Bacteriology. a culture derived in this manner.

2. Sociology.

   1. the cultural values and behavioral patterns distinctive of a particular group in a society.

   2. a group having social, economic, ethnic, or other traits distinctive enough to distinguish it from others within the same culture or society.

subculture British  

noun

1. a subdivision of a national culture or an enclave within it with a distinct integrated network of behaviour, beliefs, and attitudes

2. a culture of microorganisms derived from another culture

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verb

1. (tr) to inoculate (bacteria from one culture medium) onto another medium

subculture Cultural  

1. A group within a society that has its own shared set of customs, attitudes, and values, often accompanied by jargon or slang. A subculture can be organized around a common activity, occupation, age, status, ethnic background, race, religion, or any other unifying social condition, but the term is often used to describe deviant groups, such as thieves and drug users. (See counterculture.)

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Other Word Forms

• subcultural adjective
• subculturally adverb

Etymology

Origin of subculture

First recorded in 1895–1900; sub- + culture

Explanation

A subculture is a group of people within a larger culture, such as a country, who have something in common. They might share religious or political beliefs or be science fiction fans, for example. A culture is how people live, sometimes based on where they live — you can refer to American culture, Canadian culture, or to an Australian culture. Within these larger cultures, there are also subcultures of many sizes. The Native American community is a subculture, as is the Mormon community. Also, subcultures can be based on interests, like "Deadheads" who used to follow around the rock band "The Grateful Dead." Before 1936, the word subculture was only used by scientists to talk about bacterial cultures.

Example Sentences

The recurring pattern in prestige outlets that go for deep access, immersive detail and an emphasis on personality as a gateway into subculture carries risks that are now well understood.

From Salon • Apr. 6, 2026

Streetwear is woven into the casuals subculture which emerged in the UK in the 70s.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

Daniel was the star witness of a trial in February and March that revealed a subculture revolving around newly created crypto wealth.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 24, 2026

But however you categorize this subculture, it may provide some clues to understanding how a gym rat could encounter militant new ideas.

From Slate • Jan. 22, 2026

Geek kids are not, in general, docile and obedient; their subculture is argumentative and outspoken.

From "Geeks: How Two Lost Boys Rode the Internet Out of Idaho" by Jon Katz