Origin: Latin prefix sub-
Submarine has 11 different meanings across 3 categories:
a large sandwich made of a long crusty roll split lengthwise and filled with meats and cheese (and tomato and onion and lettuce and condiments); different names are used in different sections of the United States
"After a long day at work, I treated myself to a massive submarine loaded with ham, turkey, Swiss cheese, and fresh vegetables."
A boat that can go underwater.
"The submarine quietly descended beneath the waves to avoid detection."
In plain English: A submarine is a boat that can travel underwater for long periods of time without needing to come up for air.
"The submarine surfaced near the coast to let off steam from its boiler."
move forward or under in a sliding motion
"The child was injured when he submarined under the safety belt of the car"
throw with an underhand motion
"The pitcher decided to submarine the ball during the extra-innings game."
bring down with a blow to the legs
"The boxer managed to counterattack by submerging his opponent's knee with a sharp kick."
control a submarine
"The experienced sailor learned how to maneuver and control the submarine during its first deep-sea test."
To operate or serve on a submarine.
"After years at sea, the sailor finally retired from his job as a submarine operator."
In plain English: To go underwater is to submerge, which means going down beneath the surface of water or air without floating back up immediately.
"The deep-sea fisherman waited patiently for his baited hook to submarine into the dark water below."
Existing, relating to, or made for use beneath the sea.
"The new submarine was designed specifically for operations deep beneath the sea."
In plain English: Submarine describes something that is hidden underwater and not visible from above.
"The submarine sandwich is my favorite lunch option at this deli."
Usage: The adjective form "submarine" is often confused with the noun when describing things related to undersea travel; ensure you are using it only as an attributive modifier before another noun, such as in "submarine cable." Avoid using it predicatively (e.g., "the cable was submarine") unless specifically referring to its operational status beneath the surface.
The word submarine comes from combining Latin sub- meaning "under" with marinus meaning "of the sea." It entered English to describe vessels that operate beneath the surface of water.