subculture
noun
sub·cul·ture
ˈsəb-ˌkəl-chər 
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
Examples of subculture in a Sentence
a subculture of local painters
a subculture of poverty and crime
Recent Examples on the Web
That subculture had an informed voice in Maumee, Ohio.
—
Kevin Chroust, Outside Online, 5 Feb. 2025
The dingy, raw feeling of the subculture has faded somewhat — the majority of American gaming arcades have closed down — but the community has maintained its spirit.
—Ahmed Ali Akbar, Chicago Tribune, 31 Jan. 2025
This film presents an informative and intimate representation of this often misunderstood subculture.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 24 Jan. 2025
These hyper-specific style sets are often inspired by past eras (see cottagecore), subcultures (gothcore), and wider cultural moments (quiet luxury).
—Ebony-Renee Baker, refinery29.com, 21 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for subculture 
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.
Kevin Chroust, Outside Online, 5 Feb. 2025
The dingy, raw feeling of the subculture has faded somewhat — the majority of American gaming arcades have closed down — but the community has maintained its spirit.
—Ahmed Ali Akbar, Chicago Tribune, 31 Jan. 2025
This film presents an informative and intimate representation of this often misunderstood subculture.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 24 Jan. 2025
These hyper-specific style sets are often inspired by past eras (see cottagecore), subcultures (gothcore), and wider cultural moments (quiet luxury).
—Ebony-Renee Baker, refinery29.com, 21 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for subculture
Dictionary Entries Near subculture
Cite this Entry
“Subculture.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subculture. Accessed 19 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
subculture
1 of 2 noun
sub·cul·ture
ˈsəb-ˌkəl-chər
1
: a culture (as of bacteria) derived from another culture
2
: an act or instance of producing a subculture
subculture
2 of 2 transitive verb
subcultured; subculturing
: to culture (as bacteria) anew on a fresh medium by inoculation from an older culture
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share