en·cul·tur·a·tion
in-ˌkəl-chə-ˈrā-shən 
(ˌ)en-
(ˌ)en-
: the process by which an individual learns the traditional content of a culture and assimilates its practices and values
en·cul·tu·rate
ə̇nˈkəlchəˌrāt,
en-
-ed/-ing/-s
: to modify or condition by enculturation
enculturated to the established norms of behavior—
M. J. Herskovits
M. J. HerskovitsExamples of enculturation in a Sentence
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Toby Bressler and Lauren Ghazal, STAT, 12 Jan. 2024
This makes Snoop an agent of enculturation — the process by which youths learn and internalize the warped values of an aberrant social space.
—Armond White, National Review, 15 Nov. 2023
Thomas also points to the hidden curriculum and the ease that comes with lifelong enculturation.
—Cathleen O’Grady, Science | AAAS, 1 Apr. 2021
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Noun
Replacing them requires recruitment, onboarding, training, enculturation, and hiring temporary replacements at higher rates of pay, but also has trickle-down effects: nurse retention and engagement, patient experience, a culture of safety, quality metrics, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
—Toby Bressler and Lauren Ghazal, STAT, 12 Jan. 2024
This makes Snoop an agent of enculturation — the process by which youths learn and internalize the warped values of an aberrant social space.
—Armond White, National Review, 15 Nov. 2023
Thomas also points to the hidden curriculum and the ease that comes with lifelong enculturation.
—Cathleen O’Grady, Science | AAAS, 1 Apr. 2021
Cite this Entry
“Enculturation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enculturation. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.
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