subdominant

American  

[suhb-dom-uh-nuhnt] / sʌbˈdɒm ə nənt /

noun

1. Music. the fourth tone of a diatonic scale, next below the dominant.

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adjective

1. less than or not quite dominant.

subdominant British  

/ sʌbˈdɒmɪnənt /

noun

1. the fourth degree of a major or minor scale

2. a key or chord based on this

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adjective

1. of or relating to the subdominant

Etymology

Origin of subdominant

First recorded in 1785–95; sub- + dominant

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

subdominant

When the temperature drops further to -113 degrees Celsius, a second "subdominant" charge density wave appears at a right angle to the first.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 20, 2026

In the first seven sessions after such elections, there have been 33 dominant party trifectas, one subdominant party trifecta, and one session with divided government.

From Salon ● Dec. 2, 2018

Its magic lies in the ascent from tonic to major seventh in the first section and the move to the subdominant at the end of the middle, amidst some compelling modal inflections.

From Time ● May 25, 2016

Much of their music is based on the tonic, dominant and subdominant – just like much of rock'n'roll.

From The Guardian ● Jan. 24, 2013

This is due to the first harmonic step from tonic to subdominant and back again, in the manner of the "Amen" cadence so well known in anthems.

From The Masters and their Music A series of illustrative programs with biographical, esthetical, and critical annotations by W. S. B. (William Smythe Babcock) Mathews

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