subterranean
adjective
sub·ter·ra·nean
ˌsəb-tə-ˈrā-nē-ən 
-nyən
variants
or less commonly subterraneous
ˌsəb-tə-ˈrā-nē-əs
-nyəs
1
: being, lying, or operating under the surface of the earth
2
: existing or working in secret : hidden
a subterranean network of criminals
subterraneanly
adverb
or less commonly subterraneously
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Go Underground With Subterranean
A tunnel is a subterranean road or pathway, and a subway is a subterranean railway. The subterranean vaults at Fort Knox hold billions of dollars of gold reserves. Subterranean reservoirs called aquifers are tapped for water; in places where the pressure on the subterranean water is great enough, a hole drilled in the ground will bring it bubbling to the surface.
Examples of subterranean in a Sentence
a subterranean bunker that supposedly could withstand even an atomic blast
Recent Examples on the Web
Sure, the cost of a tunnel 60 feet underground with elevators, escalators and stairs leading to a subterranean platform with ventilation shafts, lighting and security is exorbitant.
—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 5 Apr. 2025
Many years later, my subterranean tours, including Kartchner Caverns in Arizona and Luray Caverns in Virginia, became trip highlights.
—Pat Tompkins, AFAR Media, 4 Apr. 2025
During their expeditions, the team reached a subterranean river with some unfamiliar-looking fish, the study said.
—Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2025
There’s even a hair salon, a spa, and even a gym, not to mention a subterranean garage that fits up to 16 cars.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subterranean
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 5 Apr. 2025
Many years later, my subterranean tours, including Kartchner Caverns in Arizona and Luray Caverns in Virginia, became trip highlights.
—Pat Tompkins, AFAR Media, 4 Apr. 2025
During their expeditions, the team reached a subterranean river with some unfamiliar-looking fish, the study said.
—Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2025
There’s even a hair salon, a spa, and even a gym, not to mention a subterranean garage that fits up to 16 cars.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subterranean
Cite this Entry
“Subterranean.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subterranean. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
subterranean
adjective
sub·ter·ra·nean
ˌsəb-tə-ˈrā-nē-ən
-nyən
1
: being, lying, or operating under the surface of the earth
2
: existing or working in secret : hidden
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