subsoil

1 of 2

noun

sub·​soil ˈsəb-ˌsȯi(-ə)l How to pronounce subsoil (audio)
: the stratum of weathered material that underlies the surface soil

subsoil

2 of 2

verb

subsoiled; subsoiling; subsoils

transitive verb

: to turn, break, or stir the subsoil of
subsoiler noun

Examples of subsoil in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The tunnel will traverse multiple difficult subsoil layers: a surface of historical and active landfill materials, including spoil from London tunneling projects and decades-old power station fly ash, a thick layer of alluvium composed of silts, clays, and peat, and, finally, highly variable chalk. Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 July 2025 Ukraine will also retain the ownership of the subsoil. Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 1 May 2025 The subsoils are terres blanches, pure chalk; the wine is aged in older, large tonneaux for one year. Tom Hyland, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025 Shmyhal said Ukraine would retain control over all resources, subsoil and infrastructure and contributions to the fund would be made in cash with U.S. military aid counting as contributions. Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for subsoil

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1775, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1818, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of subsoil was in 1775

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Cite this Entry

“Subsoil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subsoil. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

subsoil

noun
sub·​soil
ˈsəb-ˌsȯil
: a layer of weathered material that lies just under the surface soil

More from Merriam-Webster on subsoil

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