subcontinent

noun

sub·​con·​ti·​nent ˌsəb-ˈkän-tə-nənt How to pronounce subcontinent (audio)
-ˈkänt-nənt
: a large landmass smaller than a continent
especially : a major subdivision of a continent
the Indian subcontinent
subcontinental adjective

Examples of subcontinent in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Although these fears are understandable, Rao’s contention glides over the fact that China (together with Pakistan) is already embroiled in active hostilities against India, threatening its frontiers, undermining its economic growth, and boxing it within the subcontinent. Nirupama Rao, Foreign Affairs, 30 July 2025 The jagged border was hastily drawn by a British judge when the Indian subcontinent won its independence from Britain in August 1947 but was divided into a Hindu-majority India and a Muslim-majority Pakistan. Sam Dalrymple, Time, 14 July 2025 If air pollution in India were to be reduced, heat and humidity could actually increase on the subcontinent, as currently the particulate matter is reflecting some of the sun’s rays into space. Vitas Carosella, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025 There's rumored to be a second one among Greenland's approximately 6,500 cars for an island that's about half the size of the Indian subcontinent and has fewer than 60 miles of road and just three traffic lights. Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 6 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for subcontinent

Word History

First Known Use

1845, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of subcontinent was in 1845

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Cite this Entry

“Subcontinent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subcontinent. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

subcontinent

noun
sub·​con·​ti·​nent ˈsəb-ˈkänt-ᵊn-ənt How to pronounce subcontinent (audio)
-ˈkänt-nənt,
-ˌkänt-
: a large area of land smaller than a continent
especially : a major subdivision of a continent
the Indian subcontinent
subcontinental adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on subcontinent

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