Kulturkampf

noun

Kul·​tur·​kampf ku̇l-ˈtu̇r-ˌkäm(p)f How to pronounce Kulturkampf (audio)
: conflict between civil government and religious authorities especially over control of education and church appointments
broadly : a conflict between cultures or value systems

Word History

Etymology

German, from Kultur + Kampf conflict

First Known Use

1879, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Kulturkampf was in 1879

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Cite this Entry

“Kulturkampf.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Kulturkampf. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

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