a category that is a subdivision of a larger genre
subgenre in American English
(ˈsʌbˌʒɑːnrə, -ˌʒɑ̃ːʀᵊ)
noun
a lesser or subordinate genre
a subgenre of popular fiction
Word origin
[sub- + genre]sub- is a prefix occurring originally in loanwords from Latin (subject; subtract; subvert; subsidy). On this model, sub- is freely attached to elements of any origin and used with the meaning “under,” “below,”“beneath” (subalpine; substratum), “slightly,” “imperfectly,” “nearly” (subcolumnar; subtropical), “secondary,” “subordinate” (subcommittee; subplot)
Examples of 'subgenre' in a sentence
subgenre
I think it best fits a classic first-novel subgenre: the coming-of-age story.
Globe and Mail (2003)
It is a subgenre - how well do you know your neighbours?
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
This piece of 'faction' is in a subgenre of 'defence lobby polemic'.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
These femdrams are becoming a distaff subgenre.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
This is real folk - not nu-folk, folktronica or some other apologetically named subgenre - and it doesn'tseem to need reinventing.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
In its early years, almost any mainstream subgenre of pop thrives on silly, meaningless lyrics.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
In just about every developed territory, crime fiction of one subgenre or another is in the ascendant.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
Anybody who so desires can now listen to the pop or rock subgenre of their choice 24/7.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
The subgenre of literature that embraces the rock novel is hardly full-to-bursting with rich and inspiring works.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
There is even a subgenre of film-making called mumblecore, characterised by what is termed 'naturalistic dialogue'.