culture

The word “culture” means the shared customs, beliefs, arts, and way of life of a particular group of people. In plain terms, the shared way of life of a group of people, or (in science) the practice of growing organisms under lab conditions.

“Culture” is pronounced KUHLT-shuh (/ˈkʌlt͡ʃɚ/ in IPA).

Here is “culture” used in a sentence: “Music plays a big role in the region's culture.”

Depending on how it is used, “culture” can be a noun and a verb.

The word “culture” comes from Latin. From Middle French culture ("cultivation"), from Latin cultura, from colere ("to till, tend, cultivate, or worship").

“Culture” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.

“Culture” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the shared customs, beliefs, arts, and way of life of a particular group of people.

Tradition is one part of culture: a specific custom, belief, or practice handed down over time, like a holiday ritual. Culture is the whole system, taking in language, arts, values, food, and everyday ways of life shared by a group. Traditions sit inside a culture as some of its threads.

Yes. Culture is learned and shared rather than inherited biologically. People absorb it from family, school, community, and media, picking up language, values, and customs from those around them. Because it is passed on socially, someone can also learn a new culture by living within it.

The word applies at many levels. There are national and ethnic cultures, religious cultures, and regional ones. It also covers popular culture, youth culture, and the workplace or 'corporate' culture of an organisation. Each describes the shared customs and values of a particular group of people.

Culture shows up in a group's language, food, music, dress, festivals, religion, and manners. Celebrating a national holiday, greeting people in a customary way, or sharing a traditional meal are all examples. Together, these shared habits and beliefs make up the culture of a community.