counterculture

noun

coun·​ter·​cul·​ture ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌkəl-chər 

: a culture with values and mores that run counter to those of established society

countercultural

ˌkau̇n-tər-ˈkəlch-rəl 

-ˈkəl-chə-

adjective

counterculturalism

ˌkau̇n-tər-ˈkəlch-rə-ˌli-zəm 

-ˈkəl-chə-

noun

counterculturist

ˌkau̇n-tər-ˈkəlch-rə-list 

-ˈkəl-chə-

noun

Examples of counterculture in a Sentence

the counterculture of the hippies

He was part of the antiwar counterculture.

Recent Examples on the Web

The Cannabis Influence Cannabis culture has long been associated with counterculture movements, but in recent years, it’s gained mainstream acceptance due to the legalization of marijuana in many parts of the world. —Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 30 May 2025

But Temple Slug, once a destination of alternative home décor and an accidental landmark of counterculture retail in Kansas City, has been closed to the public since the early days of the pandemic. —David Hudnall, Kansas City Star, 8 May 2025

In 1961-1962, the U.S. political climate was icy, amid escalating strife with the Soviet Union, but there was a warmth emanating from the burgeoning counterculture movement. —Natasha Gural, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025

Denim, with its deep ties to cowboys, James Dean, and counterculture movements, frequently offers a window into the mindset of youth. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 6 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for counterculture

• agriculture
• apiculture
• aquaculture
• floriculture
• horticulture
• mariculture
• monoculture
• sericulture
• silviculture
• viticulture
• arboriculture
• culture