(biology) a taxonomic category below a class and above an order
"In biological classification, mammals are divided into subclasses such as therians and prototherians."
An object class derived from another class (its superclass) from which it inherits a base set of properties and methods.
"In the software hierarchy, every subclass derives its fundamental structure and behavior directly from its parent superclass."
In plain English: A subclass is a smaller group that belongs to and shares traits with a larger, more general category.
"The new car model is part of a more affordable subclass designed for city driving."
Usage: Use "subclass" only in technical contexts involving object-oriented programming; avoid applying it to general categories or biological taxonomy where terms like "subgroup" or "species" are standard. Do not use the verb form outside of software development discussions regarding inheritance hierarchies.
(in object-oriented programming) To create a subclass of (some class).
"The developer chose to subclass the Employee class to add custom fields for freelancers."
In plain English: To subclass means to create a new type of something based on an existing one so it can have its own special features while keeping what was already there.
"The manager subclassed his own position to avoid taking responsibility for the team's errors."
The word subclass is formed from the prefix sub- meaning "under" combined with class. It entered English to describe a division or category within a larger group.