subculture
noun
sub·cul·ture
ˈsəb-ˌkəl-chər 
1
a
: a culture (as of bacteria) derived from another culture
b
: an act or instance of producing a subculture
2
: an ethnic, regional, economic, or social group exhibiting characteristic patterns of behavior sufficient to distinguish it from others within an embracing culture or society
a criminal subculture
Examples of subculture in a Sentence
a subculture of local painters
a subculture of poverty and crime
Recent Examples on the Web
Specifically, the phrase may have roots in ballroom culture, an LGBTQIA+ subculture founded by Black and Latino communities in the mid-20th century, according to 21 Ninety, an online publication dedicated to telling stories by and for women of color.
—
Greta Cross, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2025
The cycle that Columbine helped kick off has evolved into a subculture that is dark, unwieldy, and durable.
—Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2025
But experts warn that such losses could have lasting consequences for the region’s agricultural diversity, the very mission to which Veteto and a subculture of preservationists have devoted their lives.
—Lila Hempel-Edgers, Charlotte Observer, 2 Sep. 2025
Plus, this online subculture today often coincides with the wellness industry.
—Taylor Crumpton, Time, 2 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subculture
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Greta Cross, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2025
The cycle that Columbine helped kick off has evolved into a subculture that is dark, unwieldy, and durable.
—Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2025
But experts warn that such losses could have lasting consequences for the region’s agricultural diversity, the very mission to which Veteto and a subculture of preservationists have devoted their lives.
—Lila Hempel-Edgers, Charlotte Observer, 2 Sep. 2025
Plus, this online subculture today often coincides with the wellness industry.
—Taylor Crumpton, Time, 2 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subculture
Cite this Entry
“Subculture.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subculture. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
subculture
1 of 2 noun
sub·cul·ture
ˈsəb-ˌkəl-chər
1
: a culture (as of bacteria) derived from another culture
2
: an act or instance of producing a subculture
subculture
2 of 2 transitive verb
subcultured; subculturing
: to culture (as bacteria) anew on a fresh medium by inoculation from an older culture
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