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

Project Life’s solar panels, embedded in its superstructure, can recharge any electric tenders and water toys. —Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 20 Mar. 2025

The Sloan Great Wall is another superstructure identified in 2003 by astronomers led by Gott. —Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 Feb. 2025

The building’s contractors had recently completed the tower’s superstructure. —Eric Lach, The New Yorker, 3 Feb. 2025

The superstructure, however, is lined with one-way glass windows that allow onboard privacy and exceptional views of the ocean. —Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 26 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1626, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for superstructure

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