subtropical

adjective

sub·​trop·​i·​cal ˌsəb-ˈträ-pi-kəl 

variants or less commonly subtropic

ˌsəb-ˈträ-pik 

: 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

Cyclosporiasis isn't typically fatal, and people's bodies seem to get better at fighting it off in places where the parasite is more common, including tropical and subtropical regions. — Pien Huang, NPR, 2 Aug. 2026

The building has been restored to its original 1915 appearance and contains more than 1,000 plants, representing over 180 species from subtropical and tropical areas around the world. — Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 July 2026

The parasite is commonly found in tropical or subtropical countries and spread by food or water contaminated with feces. — Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 22 July 2026

Georgia’s Okefenokee, meanwhile, sits in the subtropical climate band, where peat deposits are more scarce — and where most that do remain have been altered by humans. — Drew Kann, AJC.com, 20 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1829, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for subtropical

• intertropical
• neotropical
• topical
• tropical

Kids Definition

subtropical

adjective

sub·​trop·​i·​cal ˌsəb-ˈträp-i-kəl 

ˈsəb-

variants also subtropic

-ˈträp-ik 

: of, relating to, or being the regions bordering on the tropical zone

subtropical forests