subculture

noun

sub·​cul·​ture ˈsəb-ˌkəl-chər How to pronounce subculture (audio)
1
a
: a culture (as of bacteria) derived from another culture
b
: an act or instance of producing a subculture
2
: an ethnic, regional, economic, or social group exhibiting characteristic patterns of behavior sufficient to distinguish it from others within an embracing culture or society
a criminal subculture
subcultural
ˌsəb-ˈkəlch-rəl
-ˈkəl-chə- How to pronounce subculture (audio)
adjective
subculturally adverb
subculture transitive verb

Examples of subculture in a Sentence

a subculture of local painters a subculture of poverty and crime
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The subculture has since exploded; there's fanfic based on everything from Sherlock Holmes to The X-Files, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Game of Thrones, the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and Harry Potter. Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 17 July 2025 The internet has fragmented and flattened subcultures. Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 4 July 2025 If a parent is able to recognize their teen's interest in the Columbine shooting or the TCC subculture, Seitz said, even more people can be saved. Jolene Almendarez, The Enquirer, 3 July 2025 Influenced by subcultures, global experiences, and a desire to spark dialogue, my creations fuse fine craftsmanship with bold, avant-garde forms. Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 5 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for subculture

Word History

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of subculture was in 1885

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Subculture.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subculture. Accessed 26 Jul. 2025.

Medical Definition

subculture

1 of 2 noun
sub·​cul·​ture ˈsəb-ˌkəl-chər How to pronounce subculture (audio)
1
: a culture (as of bacteria) derived from another culture
2
: an act or instance of producing a subculture
subcultural adjective
subculturally adverb

subculture

2 of 2 transitive verb
subcultured; subculturing
: to culture (as bacteria) anew on a fresh medium by inoculation from an older culture
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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