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

Funny to see the strategy and the superstructure stripped away for a moment, leaving only pure play. — Jack Lang, New York Times, 28 May 2026

But as the home’s superstructure emerged, so have neighbors’ opinions — both laudatory and critical. — Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 20 May 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

Satellite images captured in March showed the vessel without its superstructure, indicating that major sections were installed within just the past two months. — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 24 May 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