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

subcultural

ˌsəb-ˈkəlch-rəl

-ˈkəl-chə- 

adjective

subculturally adverb

subculture transitive verb

Examples of subculture in a Sentence

a subculture of local painters

a subculture of poverty and crime

Recent Examples on the Web

In the process, Fur & Loathing also illuminates a subculture that is often derided but that provides joy and fulfillment for its members. —Marnie Shure, The Atlantic, 24 Dec. 2024

Since the Columbine shooting, a toxic subculture glorifying mass shooters has formed in online spaces. —Will Carless, USA TODAY, 20 Dec. 2024

Starting around the time of the Columbine High School Massacre in 1999, a relatively strong subculture of people who identify with mass shooters and glorify their actions has formed, according to Riedman. —Eva Wen, Journal Sentinel, 19 Dec. 2024

The documentary will offer a rare glimpse into the lives of several top athletes and a subculture on wheels hidden from the world. —Spin Contributor, SPIN, 10 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Medical 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

subcultural

-ˈkəlch-(ə-)rəl 

adjective

subculturally

-ē 

adverb

subculture

2 of 2 transitive verb

subcultured; subculturing

: to culture (as bacteria) anew on a fresh medium by inoculation from an older culture