subspecies

American  

[suhb-spee-sheez, suhb-spee-] / ˈsʌbˌspi ʃiz, sʌbˈspi- /

noun

plural

subspecies

1. a subdivision of a species, especially a geographical or ecological subdivision.

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subspecies British  

/ ˈsʌbˌspiːʃiːz, ˌsʌbspɪˈsɪfɪk /

noun

1.  ssp.  biology a taxonomic group that is a subdivision of a species: usually occurs because of isolation within a species

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subspecies Scientific  

/ sŭb′spē′shēz,-sēz /

1. A subdivision of a species of organisms, usually based on geographic distribution. The subspecies name is written in lowercase italics following the species name. For example, Gorilla gorilla gorilla is the western lowland gorilla, and Gorilla gorilla graueri is the eastern lowland gorilla.

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Other Word Forms

• subspecific
  adjective
• subspecifically
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of subspecies

First recorded in 1690–1700; sub- + species

Example Sentences

They are the smallest tiger subspecies and are native to Sumatra, one of Indonesia's largest islands.

From BBC • May 19, 2026

Each of the Channel Islands has endemic species and subspecies, including island foxes, that are found nowhere else, said Phyllis Grifman, vice chair of the advisory council.

From Los Angeles Times • May 18, 2026

"We successfully developed the first comprehensive catalogue of human gut microbiota subspecies, together with a precise and efficient method to use it both for research and in the clinic."

From Science Daily • Apr. 9, 2026

The Fongoli apes are members of the critically endangered subspecies of West African chimpanzees.

From Barron's • Jan. 15, 2026

These meerkats were most definitely a subspecies that had specialized in a fascinating and sur­prising way.

From "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel