subtropical
adjective
sub·trop·i·cal
ˌsəb-ˈträ-pi-kəl 
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
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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
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.
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Kids Definition
subtropical
adjective
sub·trop·i·cal
ˌsəb-ˈträp-i-kəl
ˈsəb-
variants
also subtropic
: of, relating to, or being the regions bordering on the tropical zone
subtropical forests
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