culture
/ˈkʌlt͡ʃə/
In a sociological sense, it represents the "invisible glue" that binds a group together. It is not just about high art or history, but the shared assumptions and unspoken rules that dictate how members of a society or organization interact. When applied to professional environments (corporate culture), it carries a stronger connotation of "vibe" or "atmosphere." It describes whether a workplace feels supportive, cut-throat, or bureaucratic. In a biological context, the word shifts from a social meaning to a technical one, referring to the act of nurturing growth in a controlled environment. The common thread across both meanings is the idea of "cultivation"—whether it is cultivating a mind, a society, or a petri dish.
Uncountable when referring to the general shared values of a society or high art ('a person of culture'). Countable when discussing specific distinct civilizations ('the cultures of Asia and Europe') or biological samples grown in a petri dish ('a bacterial culture').
💬Casual Conversation
We need to pivot toward a more 'agile' culture here. Thoughts?
I'm just trying to keep the servers from crashing, man. Give it a rest.
Meanings
The customs, arts, social institutions, and achievements of a particular nation, people, or group.
"We studied ancient Roman culture."
The cultivation of bacteria, tissue cells, etc., in an artificial medium.
"The lab grew a culture of E. coli."
The ideas, customs, and social behaviour of a particular society or group of people.
"The company has a very competitive culture."
The attitudes and behavior characteristic of a particular social group, often in contrast to an individual's behavior.
"He doesn't fit into the corporate culture."
Collocations & Compounds
corporate culture
The shared values, beliefs, and behaviors that characterize an organization.
The new CEO wants to change the corporate culture.
company culture
The general character, atmosphere, and practices of a business organization.
We foster a positive company culture.
national culture
The set of shared attitudes, values, goals, and practices that characterize a nation.
We are proud of our national culture.
workplace culture
The environment and attitudes that exist within a place of work.
The toxic workplace culture led to high turnover.
youth culture
The beliefs, customs, and behaviors of young people.
She is deeply immersed in youth culture.
Idioms & Sayings
culture shock
A feeling of confusion or anxiety caused by being in an unfamiliar foreign environment.
He experienced severe culture shock upon arriving in Tokyo.
culture vulture
A person who is very interested in art, music, and other cultural activities.
She's a real culture vulture, always at the gallery openings.
Etymology
The word 'culture' comes from the Latin word 'cultura', which means 'tending, caring for, cultivation'. It is derived from 'colere', meaning 'to till, cultivate'. Initially, in English (from the 15th century), it referred to the 'tending of the soil' or agriculture. By the 17th century, its meaning broadened to include the 'cultivation of the mind, faculties, or character'. The sense of 'the arts and intellectual achievements' emerged in the 18th century, influenced by French usage. The anthropological sense, referring to the customs, arts, social institutions, and achievements of a particular nation or group, became prominent in the 19th century, notably through the work of scholars like Edward Tylor. The biological sense of 'growing microorganisms' dates back to the late 19th century.