subgroup

noun

sub·​group ˈsəb-ˌgrüp How to pronounce subgroup (audio)
1
: a subordinate group whose members usually share some common differential quality
2
: a subset of a mathematical group that is itself a group

Examples of subgroup in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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One of the smartest things the subgroup of three commissioners and Notre Dame athletic director Jack Swarbrick did in concocting a 12-team CFP format was to grant automatic playoff berths to the top six conference champions (later five after the Pac-12’s collapse). Chris Vannini, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025 In subgroup analyses, the researchers did not find a causal relationship between bone density and specific teas, including green and herbal tea. Lauren Manaker Ms, Verywell Health, 10 Oct. 2025 Older adults who cycle regularly are likely a healthier subgroup, and cycling may also serve as a marker of favorable genetics, with risk lowest among those without genetic susceptibility to dementia, Verghese said. Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 20 Sep. 2025 But the report shows that students across every political and ideological subgroup are alarmingly at ease with not only violence, but also the other, less extreme means of silencing opposing views. Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 16 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for subgroup

Word History

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of subgroup was in 1826

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Cite this Entry

“Subgroup.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subgroup. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

subgroup

noun
sub·​group ˈsəb-ˌgrüp How to pronounce subgroup (audio)
: a group whose members usually share some common quality that makes them different from the other members of a larger group to which they belong

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