subgenre

noun

sub·​genre ˈsəb-ˌzhän-rə 

-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

Although Atmosphere hasn’t been overtly political in its messaging like many conscious rap groups, social justice issues were often at the forefront of Daley’s early days on the mic, but the group has been doing its own version of the subgenre. —Charlie Vargas, Daily News, 30 Jan. 2026

One of the most revered anime, Gundam pioneered the sci-fi subgenre known as mecha, IP that centers on giant fighting robots. —Justin Kroll, Deadline, 28 Jan. 2026

For those seeking more intense, morally gray relationships with taboo themes and trigger warnings, dark romance has become the go-to subgenre. —Theara Coleman, TheWeek, 26 Jan. 2026

Timur Bekmambetov, a familiar face in the screenlife subgenre, directs the film with a script from Marco van Belle. —Jack Dunn, Variety, 24 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1903, in the meaning defined above