variants
or less commonly sub-type
plural subtypes also sub-types
: a type that is a subdivision of a broader type
… the … vaccine has a new, additional molecular component that its developers believe will contribute to a broader range of protection against subtypes of HIV found in North America, Europe, Australia, Central America, and South America.—
The Journal of the American Medical Association
The Journal of the American Medical Association… the neurotransmitter serotonin has at least 14 different known subtypes of receptors.—Steven F. Hyman
Steven F. HymanAmong subtypes of juggling found in circus shows are juggling on horseback and strong-man juggling with iron balls.—Mark Levine
Mark LevineExamples of subtype in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Even fewer get a separate vaccine that targets a meningococcal subtype responsible for many cases among teens and young adults.
—Jamie Ducharme, The Atlantic, 17 Sep. 2025
While the overall five-year survival rate is about 62%, outcomes can vary based on age, condition stage, subtype, and overall health.
—Lindsay Curtis, Health, 14 Sep. 2025
Some subtypes, like acute promyelocytic leukemia, are now highly treatable, but AML overall remains a fast-moving and dangerous opponent.
—Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 10 Sep. 2025
Researchers have identified a MS subtype involving thinking and memory problems but no mobility impairment.
—Becky Upham, EverydayHealth.com, 10 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subtype
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Jamie Ducharme, The Atlantic, 17 Sep. 2025
While the overall five-year survival rate is about 62%, outcomes can vary based on age, condition stage, subtype, and overall health.
—Lindsay Curtis, Health, 14 Sep. 2025
Some subtypes, like acute promyelocytic leukemia, are now highly treatable, but AML overall remains a fast-moving and dangerous opponent.
—Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 10 Sep. 2025
Researchers have identified a MS subtype involving thinking and memory problems but no mobility impairment.
—Becky Upham, EverydayHealth.com, 10 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subtype
Cite this Entry
“Subtype.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subtype. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
subtype
1 of 2 noun
sub·type
ˈsəb-ˌtīp 
: a type that is subordinate to or included in another type
the blood group subtypes
subtypes of a disease
subtype
2 of 2 transitive verb
subtyped; subtyping
: to classify according to subtype
schizophrenic patients subtyped as paranoid or catatonic
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