subgenre

noun

sub·​genre ˈsəb-ˌzhän-rə How to pronounce subgenre (audio)
-ˌzhäⁿ-;
-ˌzhäⁿr;
-ˌjän-rə
variants or less commonly sub-genre
plural subgenres also sub-genres
: a genre that is part of a larger genre
The series is part of the booming "urban fantasy" subgenre, which features supernatural creatures interacting with ordinary humans in a contemporary city.Jennifer Schuessler

Examples of subgenre in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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There is a robust subgenre of soccer books dedicated just to those tactical renewals. Leander Schaerlaeckens june 8, Literary Hub, 8 June 2026 Chef Kevin Liao also distinguishes the kitchen with his illuminating Toisanese specialties, a regional subgenre of Cantonese cuisine either rarely seen in Los Angeles or so deeply assimilated into more generalized Cantonese menus that its distinctions are hard to parse. Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026 This style blends metal subgenres with traditional sea shanties, accordions — accordions are rare in metal, bear in mind — tin whistles and steel drums. Sofia Goldstein, SPIN, 2 June 2026 There are even entire subgenres like hip house, electro rap, and crunk that prominently feature synths and are geared toward the dance floor. Terrence O'Brien, The Verge, 26 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for subgenre

Word History

First Known Use

1903, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of subgenre was in 1903

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Cite this Entry

“Subgenre.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subgenre. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.

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