subgroup

noun

sub·​group ˈsəb-ˌgrüp 

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

Black parents were less likely than the other parent subgroups to give positive responses on some of the survey questions that related to their distinct historical experience. —Karlyn Bowman, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025

The Sámi are made up subgroups who speak different languages, but share a unique history and culture, including through song. —Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 18 June 2025

Finally, in a third migration event, a species from the large tyrannosaur subgroup traveled back to North America some 68 million years ago. —Sara Hashemi, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 June 2025

The report recommends that states seeking to increase the percentage of adults with a post-secondary credential focus on two subgroups of students who’ve demonstrated better re-enrollment and completion outcomes than the SCNC group overall. —Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for subgroup

• newsgroup
• recoup
• regroup
• workgroup
• coop
• coupe
• croup
• droop
• drupe
• dupe
• group
• hoop

Kids Definition

subgroup

noun

sub·​group ˈsəb-ˌgrüp 

: 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