subterranean
Americanadjective
-
existing, situated, or operating below the surface of the earth; underground.
-
existing or operating out of sight or secretly; hidden or secret.
noun
-
a person or thing that is subterranean.
-
a subterrane.
adjective
-
Also: subterraneous, subterrestrial. situated, living, or operating below the surface of the earth
-
existing or operating in concealment
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of subterranean
1595–1605; < Latin subterrāne ( us ) ( see subterrane) + -an
Explanation
Subterranean is an adjective that describes something just below what can be seen, like the subterranean jealousy you hide under a smile and kind words for the actor who got the part you wanted. Subterranean feelings and intentions are those you keep "on the down low." In fact, real things that are subterranean really are down low — underground, in fact. A subterranean worm lives under the earth's surface. A subterranean lair is a secret hideout dug under the dirt — or maybe it's just your basement. The word comes from the Latin subterraneus, from sub meaning "under" and terra meaning "earth."
Vocabulary lists containing subterranean
Latin Root "sub" Words
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Power Prefix: sub-
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Hoot
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Despite the danger and pervading sense of claustrophobia, Ukrainian soldiers have told their officers they often preferred this subterranean fighting to war above ground, where drones are a constant menace.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 22, 2026
Until now, no freshwater cave snails had been documented in China, and the country's subterranean freshwater mollusks had received relatively little scientific attention.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 21, 2026
Officials estimated up to 200 cars — many of them parked in subterranean garages — were damaged as a result.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 14, 2026
Underground and out of sight, giant subterranean peat fires continue to smoulder, choking the air with poisonous fumes.
From BBC ● Sep. 6, 2026
The ogress filled the subterranean passageway, blocking out much of the light filtering in from the opening.
From "Fablehaven" by Brandon Mull
Random Word
Spin the wheel and learn a new word!
Get a wordDefinitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
