English Reference

Word

submarine

Phoneticssub·ma·rine, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈsəbmɝˌin/

UK/sˈʌbməɹˌiːn/

Definitions

01underwater vessel

A2 · Elementary Countable noun

n. a ship that can travel deep under the ocean for a long time.

n. a naval vessel capable of independent operation underwater, typically used for military or research purposes.

“The submarine stayed under the water for three months without coming up.”

“Modern nuclear submarines are capable of remaining submerged for months at a time, limited only by the food supplies required for the crew.”

Synonyms

02a long sandwich

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun Cooking American English · Informal

n. a long bread roll filled with meat, cheese, and vegetables.

n. a large sandwich consisting of a long crusty roll split lengthwise and filled with various meats and cheeses.

“I ordered a turkey submarine with extra pickles for lunch.”

“The local deli is famous for its massive submarines, which are packed with imported Italian meats and a signature vinaigrette.”

Synonyms

subhoagiegrinder

03underwater

B2 · Upper Intermediate Science

adj. happening or existing beneath the surface of the sea.

adj. existing, occurring, or used under the surface of the sea.

“Scientists are studying submarine volcanoes to see how they change the ocean floor.”

“The company specialises in the maintenance of submarine cables that provide high-speed internet across the Atlantic.”

Antonyms

04to slide under

C1 · Advanced Technology Technical

v. to slide forward and under something, like a seatbelt during a car crash.

v. to slide forward underneath a restraint, such as a lap belt, during a sudden deceleration or collision.

“The crash test dummy started to submarine because the seatbelt was too loose.”

“Engineers redesigned the seat base to prevent passengers from submarining during a high-impact frontal collision.”

Usage

The verb is intransitive in this safety-testing context.

Synonyms

Etymology

From sub- + marine.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Idioms

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
Frequency
Frequent
Level
A2 · Elementary
Updated

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English Reference