subordinating conjunction

American  

Or subordinate conjunction

noun

Grammar.

1. a conjunction introducing a subordinate clause, as when in They were glad when I finished.

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subordinating conjunction British  

noun

1. a conjunction that introduces subordinate clauses, such as if, because, although, and until Compare coordinating conjunction

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Etymology

Origin of subordinating conjunction

First recorded in 1870–75; subordinate + -ing ²

Example Sentences

While or any other subordinating conjunction introduces a dependent clause; a dependent clause is not a sentence; it can never stand alone.

From English: Composition and Literature by Webster, W. F. (William Franklin)