subgenre
noun
sub·genre
ˈsəb-ˌzhän-rə 
-ˌzhäⁿ-;
-ˌzhäⁿr;
-ˌjän-rə
variants
or less commonly sub-genre
plural subgenres also sub-genres
: a genre that is part of a larger genre
The series is part of the booming "urban fantasy" subgenre, which features supernatural creatures interacting with ordinary humans in a contemporary city.—
Jennifer Schuessler
Jennifer SchuesslerExamples of subgenre in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
At times, taking part in battles feels akin to playing a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA), a subgenre of strategy games like League of Legends in which two teams compete against each other to overtake and destroy the enemy base.
—Diego Argüello, Rolling Stone, 13 Jan. 2025
Much of the credit for that unexpected metamorphosis goes to Gersten, who muscled her way into a subgenre — the topless temptation — once dominated by men.
—Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 10 Jan. 2025
The ceremony celebrated the rich diversity of Arabic music, showcasing a wide array of subgenres, including the winners from Billboard Arabia’s various dialect charts: Khaleeji, Egyptian, Moroccan and Levantine.
—Hala Mustafa, Billboard, 23 Dec. 2024
Buzzy genre filmmaker Lee Cronin (Evil Dead Rise) will write and direct The Mummy, a new film in the horror subgenre for New Line, Deadline has confirmed.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 20 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for subgenre 
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.
Diego Argüello, Rolling Stone, 13 Jan. 2025
Much of the credit for that unexpected metamorphosis goes to Gersten, who muscled her way into a subgenre — the topless temptation — once dominated by men.
—Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 10 Jan. 2025
The ceremony celebrated the rich diversity of Arabic music, showcasing a wide array of subgenres, including the winners from Billboard Arabia’s various dialect charts: Khaleeji, Egyptian, Moroccan and Levantine.
—Hala Mustafa, Billboard, 23 Dec. 2024
Buzzy genre filmmaker Lee Cronin (Evil Dead Rise) will write and direct The Mummy, a new film in the horror subgenre for New Line, Deadline has confirmed.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 20 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for subgenre
Dictionary Entries Near subgenre
Cite this Entry
“Subgenre.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subgenre. Accessed 24 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share