subway tile

American  

[suhb-wey tahyl] / ˈsʌbˌweɪ ˌtaɪl /

noun

1. a glazed ceramic tile, usually white and having a length twice its height, typically laid in a running bond pattern (often used attributively).

   The walls feature white subway tile with contrasting black grout, creating a striking modern look.

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Etymology

Origin of subway tile

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

subway tile

A formal living room and dining room are on the first floor, as is the gorgeous kitchen with lots of shiny subway tile, marble counters, and an island with wine storage.

From MarketWatch ● Mar. 25, 2026

Steps from a charming entry where guests can store their shoes, coats and laptops, the main living area has a living room and full kitchen with simple white subway tile and custom mint green cabinets.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 6, 2023

In her own home, Cooper just replaced her plain white subway tile with a tile by Ann Sacks with more dimension and depth.

From Seattle Times ● Jan. 6, 2023

Joyner looked around the new space — with its gleaming subway tile, grilled chicken, espresso machines, calzones, people scooping ice cream, bowls of shiny colorful peppers displayed on counters — and smiled.

From Washington Post ● Dec. 8, 2022

It’s for a skid of porcelain subway tile, for over nineteen hundred dollars.

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam