subgroup

noun

sub·​group ˈsəb-ˌgrüp 

1

: a subordinate group whose members usually share some common differential quality

2

: a subset of a mathematical group that is itself a group

Examples of subgroup in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The woman had discovered the channel, which had more than 80,000 members and dozens of subgroups with more than 300,000 members, after learning that her ex-boyfriend had shared photos and videos of her there. —New York Times, 2 Feb. 2026

Whereas a rigid framework of subgroups and rules once restricted the investments that Kleiner partners could make, the small team of partners now has access to any of the funds. —Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 31 Jan. 2026

Heel-toe drop didn’t make a difference to injury rates overall, for example, but low-drop shoes seemed to cause more injuries in the subgroup of experienced runners. —Outside, 30 Dec. 2025

Several members who served on a subgroup that has been reviewing the topic led the votes in favor of the change. —Pien Huang, NPR, 5 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for subgroup

• newsgroup
• recoup
• regroup
• workgroup
• coop
• coupe
• croup
• droop
• drupe
• dupe
• group
• hoop

Kids Definition

subgroup

noun

sub·​group ˈsəb-ˌgrüp 

: a group whose members usually share some common quality that makes them different from the other members of a larger group to which they belong