Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

superstructure

noun

/ˈsuːpərˌstrʌk.tʃər/

Definition

The part of a building or construction that is above its foundation.

Examples

The superstructure of the bridge was elegantly designed to withstand strong winds.
In the analysis of society, the superstructure includes its culture, institutions, and media, which are built upon the economic base.
The new office building’s superstructure will be completed by the end of the year.

Meaning

Superstructure refers to the component of a structure that is built upon the substructure (or foundation). In broader terms, it can also refer to the overall framework or system that is built upon a foundational basis, which can apply to various fields such as engineering, literature, or sociology.