subtropical

adjective

sub·​trop·​i·​cal ˌsəb-ˈträ-pi-kəl 

variants or less commonly subtropic

ˌsəb-ˈträ-pik 

: of, relating to, or being the regions bordering on the tropical zone

subtropical environment

subtropical grasses

Examples of subtropical in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Hurricanes are low-pressure systems that form over tropical or subtropical ocean waters and have organized thunderstorm activity, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. —Isabella O'Malley, Chicago Tribune, 30 July 2025

Originally brought in through the exotic pet trade, the reptiles have since become widespread in South and Central Florida, where the subtropical climate supports their survival and reproduction. —Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 July 2025

By Evie Carrick Spanning more than 800 square miles of wetlands, Everglades National Park is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States—a place where land and water blur into one. —Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 16 June 2025

The subtropical high, a ridge of high atmospheric pressure, is a summer staple in Texas. —Mary Wasson, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1829, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for subtropical

• intertropical
• microscopical
• neotropical
• topical
• tropical

Kids Definition

subtropical

adjective

sub·​trop·​i·​cal ˌsəb-ˈträp-i-kəl 

ˈsəb-

variants also subtropic

-ˈträp-ik 

: of, relating to, or being the regions bordering on the tropical zone

subtropical forests