subalpine

adjective

sub·​al·​pine ˌsəb-ˈal-ˌpīn How to pronounce subalpine (audio)
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 Ecosystem projects that improve bighorn sheep habitat also benefit high-country mule deer, and elk, and fragile subalpine vegetation at the headwaters of the West’s major rivers. Andrew McKean, Outdoor Life, 13 Mar. 2024 With the 415-square-mile site straddling the Continental Divide, visitors are treated to a range of ecosystems and terrains, from sprawling valleys with summertime wildflowers to lush subalpine forests with dense evergreen trees and alpine tundras with dwarfed plants and wide open viewpoints. Rachel Chang, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Dec. 2023 Traffic patterns aside, Tioga Road’s reopening is a relief for high country lovers eager for easy access to the subalpine meadows and blue lakes nestled between granite domes and towering lodgepole pines. Cari Spencer, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2023 Washington, Mount Rainier National Park The Trail: Skyline Trail This is by far the best hike for getting up close and personal with the majestic beauty of Mount Rainier and experiencing the subalpine delights of Paradise Valley. Sunset Magazine, 30 June 2023 Fine-dining time Rupert’s at Hotel McCall, 1101 N. 3rd St., is one of the most popular dining destinations around these subalpine parts. James Patrick Kelly, idahostatesman, 18 Jan. 2018 The tribes seek to change the name of Hayden Valley, a subalpine valley just north of Yellowstone Lake, to Buffalo Nations Valley. Washington Post, 12 Sep. 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'subalpine.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1656, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of subalpine was circa 1656

Dictionary Entries Near subalpine

Cite this Entry

“Subalpine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subalpine. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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