sub

UK: sʌb | US: sʌb

Definition

  1. n. 1. short for "submarine"

  2. n. 2. short for "substitute" (e.g., in sports)

  3. n. 3. short for "subway" (chiefly British)

  4. n. 4. a sandwich made with a long roll (short for "submarine sandwich")

  5. pref. 5. prefix meaning "under," "below," or "secondary" (e.g., substandard, subplot)

Structure
sub <under, from Latin *sub*>
Etymology

The word "sub" originates from Latin sub, meaning "under" or "below." As a prefix, it has been widely adopted in English to form words indicating inferiority, secondary status, or physical position beneath something (e.g., submarine, subordinate). As a standalone noun, it serves as a clipped form of longer words like submarine, substitute, and subway, reflecting colloquial efficiency.

Examples

  1. The sub surfaced silently in the harbor.

  2. The coach sent in a sub during the second half.

  3. She takes the sub to work every morning.

  4. He ordered a meatball sub for lunch.

  5. The team’s performance was subpar this season.