American English

How to pronounce culture

nounB1Common word
KUHLcher

/ˈkʰəl.ʧɚ/

2 syllables · Stress the first syllable.

the beliefs, customs, and way of life of a particular group of people

Practice out loud

Meanings & examples

noun

the beliefs, customs, and way of life of a particular group of people

I want to learn about Japanese culture.

The two countries have very different cultures.

Common phrases & grammar

local culture · traditional culture · workplace culture · cultural differences

the culture of + [a group or place]

[a group or place]'s culture

noun

the arts, music, literature, and ideas of a society or group

The city has a rich culture of music and art.

Museums help people understand a country's culture.

Common phrases & grammar

popular culture · high culture · arts and culture · cultural life

culture includes + [art forms or ideas]

[place]'s culture includes + [art forms or ideas]

Useful expressions

culture shock

a confused or upset feeling when you live in a place with a very different way of life

Moving abroad gave her culture shock.

culture clash

a serious disagreement between people with different ways of life or beliefs

The merger caused a culture clash.

pop culture

music, movies, television, and other entertainment that many people enjoy

The course looks at American pop culture.

Related words & forms