subgenre

noun

sub·​genre ˈsəb-ˌzhän-rə 

-ˌzhäⁿ-;

-ˌzhäⁿr;

-ˌjän-rə

variants or less commonly sub-genre

plural subgenres also sub-genres

: a genre that is part of a larger genre

The series is part of the booming "urban fantasy" subgenre, which features supernatural creatures interacting with ordinary humans in a contemporary city.

—Jennifer Schuessler

Examples of subgenre in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Zodiac Killer Project starts as an autopsy of a fail, and ends up dismantling the subgenre via a sort of cinematic jujitsu. —David Fear, Rolling Stone, 21 Nov. 2025

One of the most revered animé, Gundam pioneered the sci-fi subgenre known as mecha, IP that centers on giant fighting robots. —Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 21 Nov. 2025

Learn how medicine can swap out failing body parts, from prostheses to transplants and beyond from the queen of the subgenre. —Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 13 Nov. 2025

The explosive electronic backdrops — crafted by a bevy of the subgenre’s most potent stars, including Frost Children, 8485, Underscores and Jane Remover — fit Danny Brown’s rambunctious and maximalist flow like a glove. —Mackenzie Cummings-Grady, Billboard, 6 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1903, in the meaning defined above