subgenre

noun

sub·​genre ˈsəb-ˌzhän-rə How to pronounce subgenre (audio)
-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

Examples of subgenre 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.
This tension has given rise to a subgenre of Hong Kong horror films in which high-density housing is a spooky backdrop for exploring superstition and socioeconomic anxieties. — Hari Raj, New York Times, 27 Oct. 2026 Out today via Atria/Black Privilege Publishing, the book dives into the soul of an otherwise private artist whose loud chants shaped an entire subgenre. — Deasia Paige, AJC.com, 20 Oct. 2026 Friday the 13th invented the subgenre and remains horrifying to this day. — Rebekah Faubion, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2026 But Brolin and creator Brian Watkins’ take on the subgenre was easily the most interesting and ambitious of the bunch. — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for subgenre

Word History

First Known Use

1903, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of subgenre was in 1903

Rhymes for subgenre

See All Rhymes for subgenre

Browse Nearby Words

subgenotype
subgenre
subgenus
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Subgenre.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subgenre. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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