noun Uncommon

hipster

HIHP-stuh

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Hipster (noun) means someone who follows the latest trends, styles, and alternative culture, often self-consciously. Example: “The neighborhood filled with coffee shops and vintage stores popular with hipsters.”

noun

Someone who follows the latest trends, styles, and alternative culture, often self-consciously.

"The neighborhood filled with coffee shops and vintage stores popular with hipsters."

"He grew a beard and started wearing thick-framed glasses like every other hipster in town."

A member of a bohemian or countercultural scene.

"The old jazz clubs were full of hipsters in the 1950s."

How to use hipster

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomeone very tuned in to what's currently cool — often ironically, since the label is now mostly used to poke fun at people.

When to use it

Frequently used with a mocking or sarcastic tone rather than as a genuine compliment.

Common pairings

typical hipster hipster café hipster beard

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: hipsters
Third person singular: hipsters
Past tense: hipstered

Test yourself on “hipster” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The neighborhood filled with coffee shops and vintage stores popular with _____.

Etymology

From "hip" (fashionable, in the know) plus the suffix "-ster." First used in the 1920s, then reshaped in the 1940s from "hepster" to describe someone plugged into the latest jazz and fashion scene.

· First attested 1920

Class of 1920 hipster joined the language around 1920.

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See the full Class of 1920 →

Synonyms

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hippie hippy flower child

Related words

hippie hippy boho beatnik

Frequently asked questions

What does “hipster” mean?

The word “hipster” means someone who follows the latest trends, styles, and alternative culture, often self-consciously. In plain terms, someone very tuned in to what's currently cool — often ironically, since the label is now mostly used to poke fun at people.

How do you pronounce “hipster”?

“Hipster” is pronounced HIHP-stuh (/ˈhɪp.stɚ/ in IPA).

How do you use “hipster” in a sentence?

Here is “hipster” used in a sentence: “The neighborhood filled with coffee shops and vintage stores popular with hipsters.”

What part of speech is “hipster”?

“Hipster” is a noun.

Where does the word “hipster” come from?

The word “hipster” dates back to around 1920. From "hip" (fashionable, in the know) plus the suffix "-ster." First used in the 1920s, then reshaped in the 1940s from "hepster" to describe someone plugged into the latest jazz and fashion scene.

Is “hipster” a common word?

“Hipster” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “hipster” have?

“Hipster” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: someone who follows the latest trends, styles, and alternative culture, often self-consciously.

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hippie hippy boho beatnik