subterranean

adjective

sub·​ter·​ra·​nean ˌsəb-tə-ˈrā-nē-ən How to pronounce subterranean (audio)
-nyən
variants or less commonly subterraneous
1
: being, lying, or operating under the surface of the earth
2
: existing or working in secret : hidden
a subterranean network of criminals
subterraneanly adverb
or less commonly subterraneously

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Go Underground With Subterranean

A tunnel is a subterranean road or pathway, and a subway is a subterranean railway. The subterranean vaults at Fort Knox hold billions of dollars of gold reserves. Subterranean reservoirs called aquifers are tapped for water; in places where the pressure on the subterranean water is great enough, a hole drilled in the ground will bring it bubbling to the surface.

Examples of subterranean in a Sentence

a subterranean bunker that supposedly could withstand even an atomic blast
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.
The subterranean complex served many purposes over the centuries, first as stone quarries and later as water cisterns before eventually housing commercial structures and warehouses. Antonia Mortensen, CNN Money, 23 July 2025 Set in a historic 1894 stable, Stable Hall is live music venue that brings in renowned talent like Gillian Welch and David Rawlings, while Jazz, TX, by jazz pianist Doc Watkins hosts shows every night of the week an intimate, subterranean setting. Katie Chang, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025 On the upper level, a trio of ocean-view guest suites with private baths are joined by a game room, while auto enthusiasts will get a thrill from the 16-car subterranean garage. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 23 July 2025 Since then, a two-officer team has patrolled each subway train between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. — part of an effort to increase visibility of law enforcement in the subterranean system. Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 16 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for subterranean

Word History

Etymology

Latin subterraneus, from sub- + terra earth — more at thirst

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of subterranean was in 1603

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Cite this Entry

“Subterranean.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subterranean. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

subterranean

adjective
sub·​ter·​ra·​nean ˌsəb-tə-ˈrā-nē-ən How to pronounce subterranean (audio)
-nyən
1
: being, lying, or operating under the surface of the earth
2
: existing or working in secret : hidden

More from Merriam-Webster on subterranean

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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