subcontinent
sub-KON-tih-nunt
Subcontinent (noun) means a large landmass that is smaller than a continent, or forms a distinct part of a larger one. Example: “India sits on a large subcontinent in South Asia.”
noun
1
A large landmass that is smaller than a continent, or forms a distinct part of a larger one.
"India sits on a large subcontinent in South Asia."
"The monsoon shapes life across the subcontinent."
"The subcontinent has a wide range of climates."
How to use subcontinent
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA big landmass that is not quite a continent, or is part of one.
When to use it
It is used in geography and in general writing.
Memory tip
With a capital letter and the article, the subcontinent usually means the Indian subcontinent.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
Indian subcontinent
the subcontinent
across the subcontinent
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India sits on a large _____ in South Asia.
Etymology
The word is formed in English from the prefix sub- and the noun continent.
Rhymes for subcontinent
See all rhymes for subcontinent →Frequently asked questions
What is a subcontinent?
A subcontinent is a large landmass that is smaller than a continent, or a distinct part of a larger continent.
What is the Indian subcontinent?
It is the large landmass that forms part of the continent of Asia, in South Asia. People often call it simply the subcontinent.
Is the subcontinent the same as a continent?
No. A subcontinent is smaller than a continent or forms a distinct part of one.
What is the meaning of subcontinent?
"subcontinent" (noun) means a large landmass that is smaller than a continent, or forms a distinct part of a larger one.
