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
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
The Tibetan diaspora encompasses people from three historical regions and five major schools of Tibetan Buddhism, each of which has its own subcultures, dialects, and histories.
—Tenzin Dorjee, Foreign Affairs, 1 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subculture
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
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
The Tibetan diaspora encompasses people from three historical regions and five major schools of Tibetan Buddhism, each of which has its own subcultures, dialects, and histories.
—Tenzin Dorjee, Foreign Affairs, 1 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 10 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share