subgroup

noun

sub·​group ˈsəb-ˌgrüp How to pronounce subgroup (audio)
Synonyms of subgroupnext
1
: a subordinate group whose members usually share some common differential quality
2
: a subset of a mathematical group that is itself a group

Examples of subgroup in a Sentence

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Results for subgroups carry larger margins of error because the sample sizes are smaller, the researchers noted. — Paula Wethington, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026 Sands said the benefits in the trial were seen across subgroups of patients, including those whose cancer spread to the brain or liver. — Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2026 While Asian American and Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander communities are regularly grouped together and considered uniformly successful, studies have found significant disparities in educational access and outcomes across subgroups over time. — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 30 Sep. 2026 The results are estimated to have a margin of error of about 2 percentage points in either direction in the overall sample, and larger numbers for subgroups. — Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for subgroup

Word History

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of subgroup was in 1826

Rhymes for subgroup

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Cite this Entry

“Subgroup.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subgroup. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

subgroup

noun
sub·​group ˈsəb-ˌgrüp How to pronounce subgroup (audio)
: a group whose members usually share some common quality that makes them different from the other members of a larger group to which they belong

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