suborder

noun sub·or·der \ ˈsəb-ˌȯr-dər \

Definition of suborder

: a subdivision of an order

a soil suborder

; especially : a taxonomic category ranking between an order and a family

Recent Examples of suborder from the Web

Cystisoma belong to a suborder of marine crustaceans called hyperiid amphipods, which live in every ocean, from just below the surface to right near the floor.

— emily underwood, Smithsonian, "The Master of Disguise of the Ocean Reveals Its Secrets," 30 Sep. 2017
Scientists think the dolphin (named Inermorostrum xenops) may be the earliest toothless offshoot from the toothed whale suborder Odontoceti, ultimately leading to many different kinds of modern feeding behavior among the group.

— courtesy robert boessenecker, National Geographic, "New Species of Prehistoric Dolphin Slurped Up Its Prey," 23 Aug. 2017
Cystisoma belong to a suborder of marine crustaceans called hyperiid amphipods, which live in every ocean, from just below the surface to right near the floor.

— emily underwood, Smithsonian, "The Master of Disguise of the Ocean Reveals Its Secrets," 2 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'suborder.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.