subalpine

adjective

sub·​al·​pine ˌsəb-ˈal-ˌpīn 

1

: of or relating to the region about the foot and lower slopes of the Alps

2

: of, relating to, or inhabiting high upland slopes and especially the zone just below the timberline

Examples of subalpine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

At Yosemite, those include bird populations; the incidence of bark beetles in subalpine forests; and climate trends like temperature, snowpack, and precipitation. — Gloria Liu, Outside Online, 22 Oct. 2025

As rising air temperatures drive the thawing of ice and quicker rates of mineral weathering, more sulfate than was already in the ground flows into streams to the subalpine region. — Eve-Lyn Hinckley, The Conversation, 20 Aug. 2025

Late summer also marks the beginning of the blooming season for subalpine wildflowers in Tuolumne Meadows, the largest campground at Yosemite. — Tina Chen, Mercury News, 25 July 2025

But despite its large size, the subalpine woolly rat (Mallomys istapantap) is incredibly elusive. — Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1656, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing subalpine

• subalpine fir

Rhymes for subalpine

• alkaline
• andesine
• anodyne
• anticline
• arginine
• asinine
• benzidine
• borderline
• byzantine
• calamine
• caroline
• centerline