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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The bridge superstructure can then be built, including girders, beams, the deck and railing. Joe Marusak july 9, Charlotte Observer, 9 July 2025 While the shows have changed over the years, the underlying fountain superstructure has remained unchanged. Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 7 July 2025 Replacing the plain-vanilla look of the previous iteration, Alfa G’s black hull with a signature red stripe and white superstructure complete this remarkable conversion. Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 10 June 2025 Inspired by platforms like Shopify and Atlassian that provide infrastructure for others to build on, Den aims to become the superstructure for AI-native teams to scale smarter and faster. Dasha Shunina, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for superstructure

Word History

First Known Use

1626, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of superstructure was in 1626

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Superstructure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/superstructure. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on superstructure

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!