subsurface

1 of 2

noun

sub·​sur·​face ˈsəb-ˌsər-fəs How to pronounce subsurface (audio)
: earth material (such as rock) near but not exposed at the surface of the ground

subsurface

2 of 2

adjective

sub·​sur·​face ˌsəb-ˈsər-fəs How to pronounce subsurface (audio)
: of, relating to, or being something located beneath a surface and especially underground

Examples of subsurface in a Sentence

Adjective a sandy wasteland that gave little hint of its subsurface wealth
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.
Noun
This is probably the result of CO2 escaping Europa's subsurface ocean through cracks in the ice, the researchers say. Victoria Corless, Space.com, 23 July 2025 Instead of turning seven surrounding acres into a private golf course, for example, a run-of-the-mill, subsurface stormwater tank would have sufficed to meet stipulations that new developments cannot intensify flooding on neighboring properties. Denise Hruby updated July 13, Miami Herald, 13 July 2025
Adjective
So Marco Mastrogiuseppe, a researcher on the Cassini team who had used instruments like RADAR to map subsurface water on Mars, decided to try something. Liz Kruesi, Discover Magazine, 28 Oct. 2015 An entire ocean’s worth is unlikely, but a significant amount of subsurface water isn’t. John Wenz, Popular Mechanics, 8 Dec. 2022 See All Example Sentences for subsurface

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1775, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1875, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of subsurface was in 1775

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Cite this Entry

“Subsurface.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subsurface. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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