suborder
noun
sub·or·der
ˈsəb-ˌȯr-dər 
: a subdivision of an order
a soil suborder
especially
: a taxonomic category ranking between an order and a family
Examples of suborder in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
As is characteristic of most true bugs (members of the suborder Heteroptera), the adult wheel bug has two pairs of wings.
—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
22 Apr. 2026
There’s even a whole suborder of carnivores called the pinnipeds, which includes seals, sea lions, and walruses who move between land and water.
—
Sara Kiley Watson,
Popular Science,
18 Mar. 2026
And its distinct features show why the suborder Lepidosauria – which today includes lizards, snakes and the tuatara – went on to become so successful.
—
New Atlas,
15 Sep. 2025
The soils in my new neighborhood seem to be Alfisols, likely in the Udalfs suborder.
—
Bonnie Kristian,
The Week,
14 Oct. 2021
In recognition of their find, the team has proposed to place both Nesophontes and solenodons in their own, new suborder, Solenodonota.
—
Gemma Tarlach,
Discover Magazine,
14 Sep. 2016
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Encyclopedia Britannica,
22 Apr. 2026
There’s even a whole suborder of carnivores called the pinnipeds, which includes seals, sea lions, and walruses who move between land and water.
—
Sara Kiley Watson,
Popular Science,
18 Mar. 2026
And its distinct features show why the suborder Lepidosauria – which today includes lizards, snakes and the tuatara – went on to become so successful.
—
New Atlas,
15 Sep. 2025
The soils in my new neighborhood seem to be Alfisols, likely in the Udalfs suborder.
—
Bonnie Kristian,
The Week,
14 Oct. 2021
In recognition of their find, the team has proposed to place both Nesophontes and solenodons in their own, new suborder, Solenodonota.
—
Gemma Tarlach,
Discover Magazine,
14 Sep. 2016
Cite this Entry
“Suborder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/suborder. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
suborder
noun
sub·or·der
ˈsəb-ˌȯrd-ər
: a category in biological classification ranking below an order and above a family
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
