subgenre

American  

[suhb-zhahn-ruh, -zhahn-r^uh] / ˈsʌbˌʒɑn rə, -ˌʒɑ̃ rə /

noun

1. a lesser or subordinate genre.

   a subgenre of popular fiction.

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subgenre British  

/ ˈsʌbˌʒɑːnrə /

noun

1. a category that is a subdivision of a larger genre

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Etymology

Origin of subgenre

sub- + genre

Example Sentences

The English post-punk group fronted by Robert Smith is the standard-bearer for the moody subgenre known as goth, and the band last released an album of new work in 2008.

From The Wall Street Journal

Meanwhile, culinary competition is its own highly prolific reality TV subgenre.

From Salon

To the tune of cumbia villera, an Argentine subgenre first popularized among working-class communities, this biting satire observes clueless gringos in Latin America as they fail to grasp the nuances of a world outside their limited bubble.

From Los Angeles Times

“The subgenre is just what we wrap around it,” she said.

From The Wall Street Journal

The former singer, songwriter and guitarist of Sonic Youth, an experimental rock band with one foot in New York’s no wave moment and another in the indie rock explosion of the early 1990s, is devoted to a subgenre of music that isn’t exactly known for loud electric guitars.

From Los Angeles Times