subtropical

adjective

sub·​trop·​i·​cal ˌsəb-ˈträ-pi-kəl 

variants or less commonly subtropic

ˌsəb-ˈträ-pik 

: of, relating to, or being the regions bordering on the tropical zone

subtropical environment

subtropical grasses

Examples of subtropical in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

More than 3,000 tropical and subtropical species of plants and trees, as well as the inhabitants of the Everglades Wildlife Sanctuary: alligators, bobcats, otters, eagles, a black bear and, of course, flamingos. —Kari Barnett, Sun Sentinel, 13 May 2025

Where is Chikungunya Transmitted? Chikungunya is primarily contracted in tropical and subtropical regions where the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes—also known for spreading dengue and Zika viruses—are commonly found. —Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 May 2025

As a destination, Australia never ceases to amaze, with dramatic desert, tropical, and even subtropical backdrops. —Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 27 Apr. 2025

In subtropical South Florida, the days can get so hot that the rising mercury might actually discourage pollen production. —Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 23 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1829, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for subtropical

• intertropical
• microscopical
• neotropical
• topical
• tropical

Kids Definition

subtropical

adjective

sub·​trop·​i·​cal ˌsəb-ˈträp-i-kəl 

ˈsəb-

variants also subtropic

-ˈträp-ik 

: of, relating to, or being the regions bordering on the tropical zone

subtropical forests