plural cultures
1
a
: the beliefs, customs, arts, etc., of a particular society, group, place, or time
a study of Greek language and culture
today's youth culture
Her art shows the influence of pop/popular culture.
b
: a particular society that has its own beliefs, ways of life, art, etc.
an ancient culture
It's important to learn about other cultures.
2
: a way of thinking, behaving, or working that exists in a place or organization (such as a business)
The company's corporate/business culture is focused on increasing profits.
There was a culture of success at the school. [=the school's policies and environment encouraged its students' success]
3
a
: artistic activities (such as music, theater, painting, etc.)
an area that has been criticized for its lack of culture
b
: appreciation and knowledge of music, theater, painting, etc.
She is a person of culture. [=a cultured person]
4
technical
a
: the act or process or growing living material (such as cells or bacteria) in controlled conditions for scientific study
Scientists have been refining techniques for the culture of living tissue.
b
: a group of cells, bacteria, etc., grown in controlled conditions for scientific study
bacterial/tissue cultures
5
technical
: the act or process of raising or growing plants, insects, etc., in controlled conditions
bee culture
the culture of grapes
cultures; cultured; culturing
technical
: to grow (something) in controlled conditions
The virus is cultured in the laboratory from samples of infected tissue.
Cite this Entry
“Culture.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/culture. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.
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