subdominant

noun

sub·​dom·​i·​nant ˌsəb-ˈdäm-nənt How to pronounce subdominant (audio)
-ˈdä-mə-
1
: the fourth tone of a major or minor scale
2
: something partly but incompletely dominant
especially : an ecologically important life form subordinate in influence to the dominants of a community
subdominant adjective

Examples of subdominant in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Rio Grande turkeys invariably roost in mixed groups, usually a dominant gobbler, maybe a couple of subdominant gobblers and, almost always, a bevy of hens. Shannon Tompkins, Houston Chronicle, 11 Apr. 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'subdominant.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1775, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of subdominant was in 1775

Dictionary Entries Near subdominant

Cite this Entry

“Subdominant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subdominant. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

subdominant

noun
sub·​dom·​i·​nant ˌsəb-ˈdäm(-ə)-nənt How to pronounce subdominant (audio)
ˈsəb-
1
: something dominant to a lesser or partial degree
2
: the fourth tone of a major or minor scale (as F in the scale of C)
subdominant adjective
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