# subculture

/ˈsəbˌkəɫtʃɝ/ (US) · /sˈʌbkʌltʃɐ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/subculture
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.