subcontinent

noun sub·con·ti·nent \ ˌsəb-ˈkän-tə-nənt , -ˈkänt-nənt \

Updated on: 13 Apr 2018

Definition of subcontinent

: a large landmass smaller than a continent; especially : a major subdivision of a continent

the Indian subcontinent

—

subcontinental

play \ˌsəb-ˌkän-tə-ˈnen-tᵊl\ adjective

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Recent Examples of subcontinent from the Web

Many say there is no reliable evidence for mass migration north and east out of the African subcontinent until 60,000 years ago.

— ian cartwright, National Geographic, "88,000-Year-Old Finger Bone Pushes Back Human Migration Dates," 9 Apr. 2018
The Indian subcontinent’s relationship with internalized colorism is complex, even in pre-colonial times; there had always existed casteism and systemic hierarchies based on economics and skin tone.

— tasnim ahmed, Allure, "The Importance of Rejecting Beauty Standards That Reject My Brownness," 27 Mar. 2018
French President Emmanuel Macron dropped by India over the weekend for France’s first state visit to the southern subcontinent since January 2016.

— raisa bruner, Time, "This Photo of Emmanuel Macron Hugging India's Modi Gets the Royal Meme Treatment," 12 Mar. 2018
In some parts of the subcontinent and southeast Asia, where the realities of Hitler's crimes have not been well transmitted, the dictator holds a certain fascination for many.

— elizabeth schumacher, USA TODAY, "This children's book features Hitler among 'great leaders'," 17 Mar. 2018
The airline operates a route to Mumbai, in the center of the subcontinent.

— ariel kahana, Jewish Journal, "Air India flight over Saudi airspace part of delicate 'political change' in Arab world," 14 Mar. 2018
This area includes the point at which the Indian subcontinent and the Australian and Antarctic continents separated during the breakup of the supercontinent Gondwana.

— terri cook, Scientific American, "Hunt for Flight MH370 Takes Searchers into Uncharted Territory," 1 July 2017
Photo: Mehrangarh Museum Trust Life at the Jodhpur court was infused with art and artifacts from across the subcontinent.

— lee lawrence, WSJ, "‘Peacock in the Desert’ Review: Courting Opulence in Northwest India," 10 Mar. 2018
The Hindu spring festival is celebrated mainly on the Indian subcontinent, and the national holiday signifies the beginning of the spring season, as well as the symbolic conquering of good over evil.

— wandera hussein, Billboard, "Google Doodle Gets Colorful in Celebration of Holi Festival, Which Marks the Beginning of Spring," 2 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'subcontinent.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of subcontinent

1845

SUBCONTINENT Defined for English Language Learners

subcontinent

noun

Definition of subcontinent for English Language Learners

: a large area of land that is a part of a continent

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subcontinent

Definition of subcontinent

subcontinental

Recent Examples of subcontinent from the Web

First Known Use of subcontinent

SUBCONTINENT Defined for English Language Learners

subcontinent

Definition of subcontinent for English Language Learners

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subcontinent

Definition of subcontinent

subcontinental

Recent Examples of subcontinent from the Web

First Known Use of subcontinent

SUBCONTINENT Defined for English Language Learners

subcontinent

Definition of subcontinent for English Language Learners

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