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

Tall grasses, subtropical forest, and birdsong envelop the property in 360-degree wilderness, encouraging an instinctive shift down a gear. — Luke Abrahams, Vogue, 27 Oct. 2026

Rain is forecast this week as a subtropical jet combines with remnant moisture from Vance, the tropical system currently in the eastern Pacific. — Lauren Bostwick, CBS News, 27 Oct. 2026

The plant has been introduced to the tropical and subtropical climatic regions of Australia and North and South America. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Oct. 2026

The warmer waters often invite tropical and subtropical species. — Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 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