# subfamily

/ˈsəbˌfæməɫi/ (US) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/subfamily
Updated: 2026-10-19

## Definition

a smaller group inside a larger family, often used in biology to group closely related animals or plants.

For teachers: a taxonomic rank between family and genus, grouping closely related genera; more generally, any subdivision of a family.

## Examples

- The lion belongs to a subfamily that includes many big cats.
- In biology class we learn that bears and pandas belong to different subfamilies within the same larger family.
- Taxonomists placed the red panda in its own subfamily to reflect its distinct evolution from other members of the broader raccoon family.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.