superstructure

noun

su·​per·​struc·​ture ˈsü-pər-ˌstrək-chər 

1

a

: an entity, concept, or complex based on a more fundamental one

b

: social institutions (such as the law or politics) that are in Marxist theory erected upon the economic base

2

: a structure built as a vertical extension of something else: such as

a

: all of a building above the basement

b

: the structural part of a ship above the main deck

superstructural

ˌsü-pər-ˈstrək-chə-rəl 

-ˈstrək-shrəl

adjective

Examples of superstructure in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The bridge superstructure is missing entirely, although the aluminum bridge is still attached. — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 10 July 2026

One is to look for hypothetical superstructures called Dyson spheres, which were a familiar concept to Kardashev as they had been imagined by American physicist Freeman Dyson in 1960. — Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 10 July 2026

In addition to the superstructure being rehabilitated, the bridge bearings will be rehabilitated and replaced. — Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 6 July 2026

The structural glazing is cleverly integrated into the hull and superstructure, with each pane of glass uniquely shaped and tinted to blend seamlessly with the steel and aluminum. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 29 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1626, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for superstructure

• infrastructure
• macrostructure
• microstructure
• nanostructure
• ultrastructure
• restructure
• substructure
• structure