Occidental/ˌɑːksɪˈdentl/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Cultural Context Used to describe aspects of cultures from places like Europe or the U.S. Occidental art movements have shaped global aesthetics. Pro Tip 2/3Geopolitical Use Often appears in discussions comparing Western and Eastern societies. The occidental approach to democracy differs from Eastern philosophies. Pro Tip 3/3Historical Reference Can denote the western hemisphere in historical contexts. Occidental explorers set sail to discover new lands.