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

Its always-rocking outdoor tiki bar is the kind of place that defines a subtropical party city. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Apr. 2026

Tour properties include dramatic subtropical and desert landscaping, a front yard devoted entirely to succulents, kinetic metal and mosaic art, resident goats and a stop with 17 fruit trees alongside proteas and exotic succulents. —Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Apr. 2026

While the Caribbean has a tropical climate, Okinawa's climate is subtropical, with temperatures ranging from 60 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. —Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 14 Apr. 2026

Begonias are native to tropical and subtropical regions and thrive in warm, humid conditions. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 13 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1829, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for subtropical

• intertropical
• microscopical
• 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