subcontinent

noun

sub·​con·​ti·​nent ˌsəb-ˈkän-tə-nənt 

-ˈkänt-nənt

: a large landmass smaller than a continent

especially : a major subdivision of a continent

the Indian subcontinent

subcontinental

ˌsəb-ˌkän-tə-ˈnen-tᵊl 

adjective

Examples of subcontinent in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This reimagination of South Asian food stems from Khanna’s travels throughout India and the broader subcontinent. —Susmita Baral, Travel + Leisure, 26 Nov. 2024

But notably missing are the full counters of mithai, the colorful sweets found across the Indian subcontinent. —Ahmed Ali Akbar, Chicago Tribune, 6 Nov. 2024

In its 22nd year, the event showcases films from the South Asian subcontinent and their diasporas. —Ashley Lee, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2024

Gurkhas are soldiers from the Indian subcontinent who have long fought under British orders, in this instance to repel invading communist troops. —Patrick Frater, Variety, 15 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1845, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

subcontinent

noun

sub·​con·​ti·​nent ˈsəb-ˈkänt-ᵊn-ənt 

-ˈkänt-nənt,

-ˌkänt-

: a large area of land smaller than a continent

especially : a major subdivision of a continent

the Indian subcontinent

subcontinental

ˌsəb-ˌkänt-ᵊn-ˈent-ᵊl 

adjective