subtropical

adjective

sub·​trop·​i·​cal ˌsəb-ˈträ-pi-kəl How to pronounce subtropical (audio)
variants or less commonly subtropic
: of, relating to, or being the regions bordering on the tropical zone
subtropical environment
subtropical grasses

Examples of subtropical in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web These flowers, which are natives of tropical and subtropical Central and South America, can live outdoors year-round in much of Florida while temperatures are above freezing in other areas of the South. Grace Haynes, Southern Living, 27 Oct. 2023 Many of the approximately 200 species spend almost their entire lives underground or in the shallow streams of tropical and subtropical regions around the world. Margaret Osborne, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Oct. 2023 Leishmaniasis cases in the U.S. are typically found in people who traveled outside the country to tropical or subtropical climates — particularly those in the Middle East, central Asia, northern Africa and Latin America. Aria Bendix, NBC News, 20 Oct. 2023 Tropical cyclone is an umbrella term that refers to any weather phenomenon characterized by rotating, low-level systems of clouds and thunderstorms that form over tropical or subtropical waters, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 6 Oct. 2023 The property also includes pathways and meandering trails that wind their way through lush, subtropical landscaping interspersed by native sycamore and oak trees. James McClain, Robb Report, 28 Sep. 2023 Key limes only grow in subtropical environments like Southeast Asia—and the Florida Keys! Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 27 June 2023 As in the cases of Lidia and Max, the reason Mexico faces more impacts from the west this time of year is that the summer subtropical high-pressure zone that often steers storms away starts to break down. Ian Livingston, Washington Post, 10 Oct. 2023 But the difference in overall impacts between the two are minimal, as subtropical storms still produce strong winds and can spread heavy rain well away from the storm’s center. Mary Gilbert, CNN, 20 Sep. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'subtropical.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1829, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of subtropical was in 1829

Dictionary Entries Near subtropical

Cite this Entry

“Subtropical.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subtropical. Accessed 1 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

subtropical

adjective
sub·​trop·​i·​cal ˌsəb-ˈträp-i-kəl How to pronounce subtropical (audio)
ˈsəb-
variants also subtropic
: of, relating to, or being the regions bordering on the tropical zone
subtropical forests

More from Merriam-Webster on subtropical

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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