subalpine
adjective
sub·al·pine
ˌsəb-ˈal-ˌpīn 
1
: of or relating to the region about the foot and lower slopes of the Alps
2
: of, relating to, or inhabiting high upland slopes and especially the zone just below the timberline
Examples of subalpine in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The mysterious giant woolly rat But with that migration to higher altitudes, the subalpine woolly rat would have needed adaptations that include better resilience to cold, like a thick furry coat and a larger body plan – often seen in bigger animals.
—
Bronwyn Thompson, New Atlas, 25 May 2025
But despite its large size, the subalpine woolly rat (Mallomys istapantap) is incredibly elusive.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 May 2025
New Guinea’s subalpine woolly rat is the rodent of legends.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 21 May 2025
In the nutrient-poor soils of subalpine elevations, where rainfall is often sparse, this species thrives by conserving energy.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025
The two main tarns on this trail are flanked by subalpine meadows with a variety of shrubs and wildflowers that change colors in the fall.
—Graham Averill, Outside Online, 16 Sep. 2024
One of the marquee drives in America’s national park system, the two-lane Tioga Road bisects Yosemite’s alpine center, passing through subalpine meadows and forests of lodgepole pine and juniper.
—Paul Rogers, The Mercury News, 11 June 2024
The out-and-back trail to Chasm Lake is 8.4 miles and requires a steady climb through a subalpine forest and into the alpine tundra.
—Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 8 Apr. 2024
Ecosystem projects that improve bighorn sheep habitat also benefit high-country mule deer, and elk, and fragile subalpine vegetation at the headwaters of the West’s major rivers.
—Andrew McKean, Outdoor Life, 13 Mar. 2024
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.
Bronwyn Thompson, New Atlas, 25 May 2025
But despite its large size, the subalpine woolly rat (Mallomys istapantap) is incredibly elusive.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 May 2025
New Guinea’s subalpine woolly rat is the rodent of legends.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 21 May 2025
In the nutrient-poor soils of subalpine elevations, where rainfall is often sparse, this species thrives by conserving energy.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025
The two main tarns on this trail are flanked by subalpine meadows with a variety of shrubs and wildflowers that change colors in the fall.
—Graham Averill, Outside Online, 16 Sep. 2024
One of the marquee drives in America’s national park system, the two-lane Tioga Road bisects Yosemite’s alpine center, passing through subalpine meadows and forests of lodgepole pine and juniper.
—Paul Rogers, The Mercury News, 11 June 2024
The out-and-back trail to Chasm Lake is 8.4 miles and requires a steady climb through a subalpine forest and into the alpine tundra.
—Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 8 Apr. 2024
Ecosystem projects that improve bighorn sheep habitat also benefit high-country mule deer, and elk, and fragile subalpine vegetation at the headwaters of the West’s major rivers.
—Andrew McKean, Outdoor Life, 13 Mar. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Subalpine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subalpine. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share