superstructure
noun
su·per·struc·ture
ˈsü-pər-ˌstrək-chər 
1
a
: an entity, concept, or complex based on a more fundamental one
b
: social institutions (such as the law or politics) that are in Marxist theory erected upon the economic base
2
: a structure built as a vertical extension of something else: such as
a
: all of a building above the basement
b
: the structural part of a ship above the main deck
Examples of superstructure in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The hull and superstructure were engineered specifically to support the propulsion system, with designs that reduce energy consumption while improving performance and comfort.
—
Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 13 June 2026
The Fort Steele railroad bridge, for all its size, lay low ahead of them, a flush span carrying the tracks between those bluffs on either side of the river, its superstructure entirely below deck.
—Eric Moskowitz, The Atlantic, 31 May 2026
Funny to see the strategy and the superstructure stripped away for a moment, leaving only pure play.
—Jack Lang, New York Times, 28 May 2026
Satellite images captured in March showed the vessel without its superstructure, indicating that major sections were installed within just the past two months.
—Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 24 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for superstructure
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Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 13 June 2026
The Fort Steele railroad bridge, for all its size, lay low ahead of them, a flush span carrying the tracks between those bluffs on either side of the river, its superstructure entirely below deck.
—Eric Moskowitz, The Atlantic, 31 May 2026
Funny to see the strategy and the superstructure stripped away for a moment, leaving only pure play.
—Jack Lang, New York Times, 28 May 2026
Satellite images captured in March showed the vessel without its superstructure, indicating that major sections were installed within just the past two months.
—Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 24 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for superstructure
Cite this Entry
“Superstructure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/superstructure. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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