subcontinent

noun

sub·​con·​ti·​nent ˌsəb-ˈkän-tə-nənt 

-ˈkänt-nənt

: a large landmass smaller than a continent

especially : a major subdivision of a continent

the Indian subcontinent

subcontinental

ˌsəb-ˌkän-tə-ˈnen-tᵊl 

adjective

Examples of subcontinent in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Overall, a market adjustment may be required by importers of light sweet crude, especially out in Asia, from the Indian subcontinent to the East. —Gaurav Sharma, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025

These surcharges will be applied to export shipments to destinations across the U.S., the rest of North and South America, Europe, Africa, the Indian subcontinent and the Middle East. —Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 13 Mar. 2025

Metropolitan areas such as Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore all host their own fashion weeks, showing the thriving fashion industry that knits together the various states of the subcontinent. —Brett F. Braley-Palko, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025

Speculation is swirling in the subcontinent, potentially heightening the stakes of the final. —Tristan Lavalette, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1845, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for subcontinent

• incontinent
• continent

Kids Definition

subcontinent

noun

sub·​con·​ti·​nent ˈsəb-ˈkänt-ᵊn-ənt 

-ˈkänt-nənt,

-ˌkänt-

: a large area of land smaller than a continent

especially : a major subdivision of a continent

the Indian subcontinent

subcontinental

ˌsəb-ˌkänt-ᵊn-ˈent-ᵊl 

adjective