English Reference

Word

hippies

Phoneticship·pies

US/ˈhɪpiz/

UK/hˈɪpɪz/

Definition

n. people who belong to a group that started in the 1960s. They usually value peace, love, and freedom, and they often have a style that is different from normal society.

n. members of a countercultural movement that originated in the 1960s, typically characterised by unconventional appearance, non-conformist values, and an emphasis on peace and environmentalism.

Examples

“The park was full of hippies playing music and dancing.”

“During the summer of love, thousands of hippies gathered in San Francisco to promote a lifestyle based on communal living.”

“While the original movement peaked decades ago, the aesthetic and philosophical influence of hippies continues to shape modern discussions on sustainability and alternative medicine.”

Examples

simple

“The park was full of hippies playing music and dancing.”

contextual

“During the summer of love, thousands of hippies gathered in San Francisco to promote a lifestyle based on communal living.”

complex

“While the original movement peaked decades ago, the aesthetic and philosophical influence of hippies continues to shape modern discussions on sustainability and alternative medicine.”

Usage

The plural form of 'hippie'; refers to a group of people and takes a plural verb.

Real-World Examples

“They’re a mixture of hippies and hardnuts, dreamers and pragmatists, united by music.”
The Guardian · 13 Aug 2026

This entry

Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency
Occasional
Updated

Scan code

englishreference.com/q/hippies

English Reference