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

Mustaine is revered as one of the pioneers of thrash metal, a subgenre that combines the breakneck velocity of early American hardcore bands such as Circle Jerks and Misfits with the precision and power of British metal groups like Judas Priest and Iron Maiden. —Jon Wiederhorn, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2026

For almost a century, directors have found novel ways to imbue the subgenre with wit and hard truths. —Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 18 Feb. 2026

But in this subgenre, Ponthier embraces the role of an outsider, singing lyrics fantastical enough to satisfy sci-fi enthusiasts while penning Gen Z non-binary ballads to cry to. —Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 13 Feb. 2026

The best of all sports-movie subgenres, football films have given us great characters – real and fictional – and a bunch of awesome cinematic moments in everything from screwball comedies to real-life narratives. —Brian Truitt, USA Today, 6 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1903, in the meaning defined above