subtropical

adjective

sub·​trop·​i·​cal ˌsəb-ˈträ-pi-kəl How to pronounce subtropical (audio)
variants or less commonly subtropic
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Most storms occur in the summer months when the subtropical climate is at its most humid, making August’s Perseid meteor shower a chancier time to visit. Sheeka Sanahori, Outside, 11 Nov. 2025 The Rock Creek Loop traverses approximately seven miles of ravines, creeks, subtropical forest, and small footbridges. Carrie Honaker, Travel + Leisure, 9 Nov. 2025 Temperatures will dip below freezing in parts of all Lower 48 states, including Florida’s subtropical regions, Louisiana’s swamplands and the mountains of California. Brandi D. Addison, Cincinnati Enquirer, 8 Nov. 2025 Southern China’s tropical to subtropical climate – with heavy rainfall, heat, and humidity – accelerates chemical weathering, while the region’s long history of tectonic and magmatic activity adds further erosion. Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for subtropical

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1829, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of subtropical was in 1829

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Cite this Entry

“Subtropical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subtropical. Accessed 19 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

subtropical

adjective
sub·​trop·​i·​cal ˌsəb-ˈträp-i-kəl How to pronounce subtropical (audio)
ˈsəb-
variants also subtropic
: of, relating to, or being the regions bordering on the tropical zone
subtropical forests

More from Merriam-Webster on subtropical

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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