suborder

noun

sub·​or·​der ˈsəb-ˌȯr-dər How to pronounce suborder (audio)
: 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
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The majority of species in this avian suborder possess the vocal learning ability. — Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, Popular Science, 14 Sep. 2023 The primate order is divided into two major suborders, which split from a common ancestor: One suborder consists of tarsiers, apes, monkeys and hominids; the other, lemurs and lorises. — Dyan MacHan, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 July 2022

Word History

First Known Use

1705, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of suborder was in 1705

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“Suborder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/suborder. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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Medical Definition

suborder

noun
sub·​or·​der ˈsəb-ˌȯrd-ər How to pronounce suborder (audio)
: a category in biological classification ranking below an order and above a family
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