subterranean

American  

[suhb-tuh-rey-nee-uhn] / ˌsʌb təˈreɪ ni ən /

adjective

1. existing, situated, or operating below the surface of the earth; underground.

2. existing or operating out of sight or secretly; hidden or secret.

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noun

1. a person or thing that is subterranean.

2. a subterrane.

subterranean British  

/ ˌsʌbtəˈreɪnɪən /

adjective

1. Also: subterraneous.   subterrestrial.  situated, living, or operating below the surface of the earth

2. existing or operating in concealment

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Other Word Forms

• subterraneanly
  adverb
• subterraneously
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of subterranean

1595–1605; < Latin subterrāne ( us ) ( see subterrane) + -an

Explanation

Subterranean is an adjective that describes something just below what can be seen, like the subterranean jealousy you hide under a smile and kind words for the actor who got the part you wanted. Subterranean feelings and intentions are those you keep "on the down low." In fact, real things that are subterranean really are down low — underground, in fact. A subterranean worm lives under the earth's surface. A subterranean lair is a secret hideout dug under the dirt — or maybe it's just your basement. The word comes from the Latin subterraneus, from sub meaning "under" and terra meaning "earth."

Example Sentences

He began his career in 1962 but shot to fame with a string of successful singles in 1965, including The Times They Are A-Changin', Subterranean Homesick Blues and Like A Rolling Stone.

From BBC • Jul. 10, 2025

Subterranean decomposers help recycle nutrients that surface life relies on, and the deep soil layers these animals live in filter toxins from our drinking water.

From Scientific American • Dec. 17, 2021

Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s Subterranean Challenge, the military science funder’s latest competition to push the capabilities of robots that could help in search and rescue and combat operations.

From Science Magazine • Sep. 29, 2021

In March, as the coronavirus pandemic brought the concert world to a halt, Robert Gomez shut down his two clubs in Chicago, Subterranean and Beat Kitchen, without knowing when they would reopen.

From New York Times • May 6, 2020

Subterranean Temples of India.—The subterranean temples of India described and illustrated, the wonderful works of the ancient dwellers in Hindostan.—3 illustrations.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 643, April 28, 1888 by Various