popular culture

[ pop-yuh-ler kuhl-cher ]

noun

1. cultural and commercial artifacts, media, and entertainment reflecting, suited to, or aimed at the tastes of the general masses of people:

   Most artists are influenced by a variety of external sources, including popular culture.

   The actor's role in the series made her an important figure in popular culture.

Word History and Origins

Origin of popular culture¹

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

As volume one comes to a close, Cher lingers on the edges of one of popular culture’s most intriguing comebacks, with the singer rebranding herself as a bona fide movie star.

From Salon

Some of the biggest names in popular culture and politics, from Oprah Winfrey and Barack Obama to Sir Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder, have remembered Quincy Jones in a succession of personal tributes.

From BBC

However when discussing his success, Burton tells us that he rejects the term "Burtonesque" even though it's widely used in popular culture to describe his oeuvre.

From BBC

For some reason, in popular culture, like the urban mystery of baby pigeons, there are no adults with autism.

From Salon

“Three Women” was originally published in 2019 after #MeToo lost steam but also in a time of rearranging how popular culture considers female characters.

From Salon