subtropical

adjective

sub·​trop·​i·​cal ˌsəb-ˈträ-pi-kəl 

variants or less commonly subtropic

ˌsəb-ˈträ-pik 

: of, relating to, or being the regions bordering on the tropical zone

subtropical environment

subtropical grasses

Examples of subtropical in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

During El Niño, the subtropical jet stream typically strengthens and shifts farther south, allowing storms to track across the southern United States. — Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 7 July 2026

The often 13-foot-long snakes perfectly blend into the ecosystem’s subtropical riverways and foliage. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 2 July 2026

The agency added that the parasite is typically found in tropical or subtropical regions of the world. — Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026

Upon returning to Brazil, Burle Marx began collecting tropical and subtropical species with rare intensity, eventually transforming his home outside Rio into a living archive of Brazilian flora, more than 3,500 plants strong. — Spencer Elliott, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1829, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for subtropical

• intertropical
• neotropical
• topical
• tropical

Kids Definition

subtropical

adjective

sub·​trop·​i·​cal ˌsəb-ˈträp-i-kəl 

ˈsəb-

variants also subtropic

-ˈträp-ik 

: of, relating to, or being the regions bordering on the tropical zone

subtropical forests