cultural phenomenon

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   A widely observed trend, event, or behavior that is shared across a society and influences its culture.

   Grammar: Countable; the plural is usually 'cultural phenomena' in academic writing.

   Patterns

   • a cultural phenomenon
   • become a cultural phenomenon
   • a global cultural phenomenon

   The rise of reality television became a cultural phenomenon in the early 2000s.

   Social media challenges are often described as a cultural phenomenon.

2. 2nouncountable

   A specific example of such a trend, studied by sociologists or media scholars.

   Grammar: Often used with 'study', 'analyze', or 'examine' in academic contexts.

   Patterns

   • study a cultural phenomenon
   • analyze something as a cultural phenomenon

   The professor analyzed the viral dance as a cultural phenomenon.

   Her book examines the coffee-house as a cultural phenomenon of the eighteenth century.

Word forms

Common combinations

become a cultural phenomenon

The song became a cultural phenomenon almost overnight.

a global cultural phenomenon

The film turned into a global cultural phenomenon.

study a cultural phenomenon

Researchers study the trend as a cultural phenomenon.

a cultural phenomenon of the 21st century

Online dating is a cultural phenomenon of the 21st century.

Synonyms and how they differ

social trend

'Social trend' is broader and less formal; 'cultural phenomenon' suggests a deeper, more noticeable impact on society.

cultural movement

'Cultural movement' often implies organized activity and shared goals, while 'cultural phenomenon' can be any widespread behavior.

Word family

culture noun

The customs, arts, and way of life of a group.

cultural adjective

Relating to culture.

phenomenon noun

A fact or event that can be observed.

Commonly confused: cultural phenomenon or phenomenal?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “cultural phenomenon”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

Explore more words