cultural appropriation

American

[kuhl-cher-uhl uh-proh-pree-ey-shuhn] / ˈkʌl tʃər əl əˌproʊ priˈeɪ ʃən /

noun

the adoption, usually without acknowledgment, of cultural identity markers from subcultures or minority communities into mainstream culture by people with a relatively privileged status.

Etymology

Origin of cultural appropriation

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

cultural appropriation

The Mexican government has taken on famous brands such as Adidas, Shein, Zara and Carolina Herrera for the alleged cultural appropriation of traditional designs.

From Barron's ● Jan. 2, 2026

Thus, Coogler’s vampire story doubles as a parable about cultural appropriation and assimilation, one among many readings he incorporates into the movie.

From Salon ● Dec. 29, 2025

At one extreme of the debate are those who consider it the ultimate form of cultural appropriation; at the other, adoptive parents who thought they were performing a selfless act.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 4, 2025

The backlash isn’t just about cultural appropriation, but misrepresentation.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 7, 2025

The question of cultural appropriation is complex, and the debates it sparks online can seem both overblown and eye-opening.

From BBC ● Jul. 18, 2025

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023