counterculture

noun

coun·​ter·​cul·​ture ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌkəl-chər 

: a culture with values and mores that run counter to those of established society

countercultural

ˌkau̇n-tər-ˈkəlch-rəl, 

-ˈkəl-chə- 

adjective

counterculturalism

ˌkau̇n-tər-ˈkəlch-rə-ˌli-zəm, 

-ˈkəl-chə- 

noun

counterculturist

ˌkau̇n-tər-ˈkəl-chə-rist 

noun

Examples of counterculture in a Sentence

the counterculture of the hippies

He was part of the antiwar counterculture.

Recent Examples on the Web

Yet as the hippie movement rejected mainstream political ideals, the counterculture was also exemplified through food. — Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Aug. 2026

In 1971, Pete Townshend wrote arguably the sharpest line the counterculture ever produced about itself. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 10 Aug. 2026

Throughout her life, Chris served as an educator and an advocate who participated in counterculture throughout the 1960s, as noted in the obituary. — Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 24 July 2026

Board members also added lessons on the horrors of communism, why the Second Amendment was created and how counterculture increased the divorce rate. — Rachel Royster. Produced With Ai Assistance, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for counterculture

• agriculture
• apiculture
• aquaculture
• floriculture
• horticulture
• mariculture
• monoculture
• sericulture
• silviculture
• viticulture
• arboriculture
• culture