subordinating conjunction

or subordinate conjunction

noun

, Grammar.

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

subordinating conjunction

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of subordinating conjunction¹

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

Example Sentences

An indirect statement is joined to the main verb or sentence by the subordinating conjunction ke, that.

From Project Gutenberg