culture
KUHLT-shuh
Culture (noun) means the shared customs, beliefs, arts, and way of life of a particular group of people. Example: “Food is an important part of the culture in many small coastal towns.”
noun
1
The shared customs, beliefs, arts, and way of life of a particular group of people.
"Food is an important part of the culture in many small coastal towns."
"Music plays a big role in the region's culture."
"The company is trying to build a culture of honesty and openness."
verb
1
To grow living cells, bacteria, or tissue under controlled conditions.
"Scientists cultured the bacteria in a warm dish to see how they would spread."
"We cultured the cells for three days before examining them under the microscope."
"The lab cultured a sample from the patient's throat swab."
How to use culture
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe shared way of life of a group of people, or (in science) the practice of growing organisms under lab conditions.
Common pairings
pop culture
company culture
culture a bacteria sample
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- cultures
- Past tense
- cultured
Fill the gap
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Food is an important part of the _____ in many small coastal towns.
Etymology
From Middle French culture ("cultivation"), from Latin cultura, from colere ("to till, tend, cultivate, or worship").
Synonyms
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way of life
customs
traditions
heritage
civilisation
values
lifestyle
finish
polish
civilization
cultivation
refinement
Related words
Rhymes for culture
See all rhymes for culture →Frequently asked questions
What does “culture” mean?
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.
How do you pronounce “culture”?
“Culture” is pronounced KUHLT-shuh (/ˈkʌlt͡ʃɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “culture” in a sentence?
Here is “culture” used in a sentence: “Music plays a big role in the region's culture.”
What part of speech is “culture”?
Depending on how it is used, “culture” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “culture” come from?
The word “culture” comes from Latin. From Middle French culture ("cultivation"), from Latin cultura, from colere ("to till, tend, cultivate, or worship").
Is “culture” a common word?
“Culture” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “culture” have?
“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.
What is the difference between culture and tradition?
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.
Can culture be learned?
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.
What are the types of culture?
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.
What is an example of culture?
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.
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