superstructure

noun

su·​per·​struc·​ture ˈsü-pər-ˌstrək-chər How to pronounce superstructure (audio)
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 adjective

Examples of superstructure in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The aluminum hull and superstructure of the NL45 has a GT just under 500, is solid, light, and 100 percent recyclable. Kathleen Turner, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 Trending on Billboard In 2024 Creamfields will debut a 30,000 capacity indoor mainstage, which the event claims will be the world’s largest indoor festival superstructure. Katie Bain, Billboard, 29 Feb. 2024 Interestingly, the graphic element on the hull and superstructure was inspired by sportswear and not cars. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 27 Feb. 2024 Visible right off the main gangway for maximum shock and awe, The Pearl is three decks high, measures 50 feet in diameter, and is both an interactive artwork and integral part of the ship’s superstructure. David Dickstein, Orange County Register, 2 Feb. 2024 In addition to an elegant, streamlined silhouette, Dunes features a white hull and a sandy-colored superstructure. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 16 Feb. 2024 It's got a smooth outside that goes up to a superstructure, and its sides are curving. Meagan Drillinger, Travel + Leisure, 14 Feb. 2024 The closer the incoming missile is to the ship when destroyed, the more danger there is to the vessel, with larger chunks able to penetrate unarmored parts of the hull and superstructure from about 200 meters (more than 200 yards) out, Schuster said. Brad Lendon, CNN, 2 Feb. 2024 Inspectors look at the bridge deck, the approaches, the superstructure, if there is one, and the substructure, Morgan said. Ed Stannard, Hartford Courant, 16 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'superstructure.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1626, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of superstructure was in 1626

Dictionary Entries Near superstructure

Cite this Entry

“Superstructure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/superstructure. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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