subterranean

adjective

sub·​ter·​ra·​nean ˌsəb-tə-ˈrā-nē-ən 

-nyən

variants or less commonly subterraneous

ˌsəb-tə-ˈrā-nē-əs 

-nyəs

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.

Synonyms

• belowground
• subsurface
• underground

Examples of subterranean in a Sentence

a subterranean bunker that supposedly could withstand even an atomic blast

Recent Examples on the Web

No longer subterranean, this place is practically suburban. —Elizabeth Friend, Longreads, 29 Oct. 2024

For example, Hastings House, an $18.2 million former church in London’s affluent Knightsbridge neighborhood, sports a subterranean swimming pool. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 17 Oct. 2024

In Industry, parties are opportunities to showcase subterranean tensions alongside ludicrous set pieces. —Nina Li Coomes, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2024

Farrow & Ball’s Cooking Apple Green on the walls complements the floors, which are painted in the company’s warm Picture Gallery Red—a popular hue for subterranean floors of the home’s era. —David Foxley, Architectural Digest, 20 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

subterranean

adjective

sub·​ter·​ra·​nean ˌsəb-tə-ˈrā-nē-ən 

-nyən

1

: being, lying, or operating under the surface of the earth

2

: existing or working in secret : hidden