Word
subculture
Phoneticssub·cul·ture, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈsəbˌkəɫtʃɝ/
UK/sˈʌbkʌltʃɐ/
Definition
n. a group of people within a larger culture that has its own special beliefs, styles, or ways of living. In biology, it refers to a smaller group of organisms that live together in a specific way.
n. a distinct group within a larger culture or biological community that maintains its own unique characteristics or social norms. In a biological context, it refers to a population of organisms that shares a specific habitat or lifestyle.
Examples
“The local subculture of street artists has grown very popular.”
“Researchers identified a unique subculture of bacteria that thrives in the extreme heat of the geothermal vents.”
“While the dominant species dominates the canopy, a specialized subculture of epiphytes has evolved to flourish in the humid microclimate of the forest floor.”
Examples
simple
“The local subculture of street artists has grown very popular.”
contextual
“Researchers identified a unique subculture of bacteria that thrives in the extreme heat of the geothermal vents.”
complex
“While the dominant species dominates the canopy, a specialized subculture of epiphytes has evolved to flourish in the humid microclimate of the forest floor.”
Real-World Examples
“During a lengthy anti-trans rant about “gender confusion,” Tuberville started pontificating on the furry fandom, a subculture consisting of people who enjoy drawing and dressing as anthropomorphized animals.” “Looksmaxxing" is an online subculture focused on maximizing people's physical attractiveness.” “Past works include a project exploring the rising popularity around the globe of the youth subculture of cosplay.” “On Chinese social media, where current and former leaders' names are routinely censored, Jiang has come to be known as "the Elder", spawning an internet subculture in apparent admiration of the Soviet-trained ex-automobile factory manager who was known for his love of singing and his propensity to recite Lincoln's Gettysburg Address from memory in English.” Etymology
From sub- + culture.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/subculture