subtype

noun

sub·​type ˈsəb-ˌtīp 

variants or less commonly sub-type

plural subtypes also sub-types

: a type that is a subdivision of a broader type

… the … vaccine has a new, additional molecular component that its developers believe will contribute to a broader range of protection against subtypes of HIV found in North America, Europe, Australia, Central America, and South America.

—The Journal of the American Medical Association

… the neurotransmitter serotonin has at least 14 different known subtypes of receptors.

—Steven F. Hyman

Among subtypes of juggling found in circus shows are juggling on horseback and strong-man juggling with iron balls.

—Mark Levine

Examples of subtype in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Some subtypes, like acute promyelocytic leukemia, are now highly treatable, but AML overall remains a fast-moving and dangerous opponent. —Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 10 Sep. 2025

Researchers have identified a MS subtype involving thinking and memory problems but no mobility impairment. —Becky Upham, EverydayHealth.com, 10 Sep. 2025

While another set releases somatostatin (SST), which inhibits it (this group is further divided into two subtypes that fine-tune the brake on GH output). —New Atlas, 8 Sep. 2025

In their cohort from stage 2, the team discovered 307 people (26 percent) with the MS subtype. —Hannah Millington, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1816, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for subtype

• bagpipe
• blowpipe
• standpipe
• stovepipe
• tailpipe
• unripe
• windpipe
• allotype
• antitype
• archetype
• biotype
• collotype

Medical Definition

subtype

1 of 2 noun

sub·​type ˈsəb-ˌtīp 

: a type that is subordinate to or included in another type

the blood group subtypes

subtypes of a disease

subtype

2 of 2 transitive verb

subtyped; subtyping

: to classify according to subtype

schizophrenic patients subtyped as paranoid or catatonic