subgroup

noun

sub·​group ˈsəb-ˌgrüp How to pronounce subgroup (audio)
Synonyms of subgroupnext
1
: a subordinate group whose members usually share some common differential quality
2
: a subset of a mathematical group that is itself a group

Examples of subgroup 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.
Further, conditions such as major depressive disorder and schizophrenia likely have several subgroups that superficially resemble each other but develop through different mechanisms and pathways. — Anand Kumar, The Conversation, 26 Aug. 2026 The poll found the percentage of gamblers declining across the board, with the only question being how dramatically among each subgroup. — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 18 Aug. 2026 The 31-year-old rapper, a member of the megagroup NCT and the leader of its subgroup NCT 127, has seemingly always been fascinated by merging different genres to create a new song. — Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 13 Aug. 2026 Gender critical subgroups now exist within all major British political parties—Labour, Conservative, Liberal Democrat, Green, and Scottish Nationalist—with the exception of the Welsh nationalist party Plaid Cymru. — Literary Hub, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for subgroup

Word History

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of subgroup was in 1826

Rhymes for subgroup

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Browse Nearby Words

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subgroup
subgular
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Cite this Entry

“Subgroup.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subgroup. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

subgroup

noun
sub·​group ˈsəb-ˌgrüp How to pronounce subgroup (audio)
: a group whose members usually share some common quality that makes them different from the other members of a larger group to which they belong

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