diff --git a/src/wp-includes/class-walker-nav-menu.php b/src/wp-includes/class-walker-nav-menu.php
index 4c1a1f2c91..c97188b473 100644
--- a/src/wp-includes/class-walker-nav-menu.php
+++ b/src/wp-includes/class-walker-nav-menu.php
@@ -58,7 +58,22 @@ class Walker_Nav_Menu extends Walker {
 			$n = "\n";
 		}
 		$indent = str_repeat( $t, $depth );
-		$output .= "{$n}{$indent}<ul class=\"sub-menu\">{$n}";
+
+		/**
+		 * Filters the CSS class(es) applied to a menu list element.
+		 *
+		 * @since 4.8.0
+		 *
+		 * @param array    $classes The CSS classes that are applied to the menu `<ul>` element.
+		 * @param stdClass $args    An object of `wp_nav_menu()` arguments.
+		 * @param int      $depth   Depth of menu item. Used for padding.
+		 */
+
+		$classes = array( 'sub-menu' );
+		$classes = apply_filters( 'nav_menu_submenu_css_class', $classes, $args, $depth );
+		$class_names = join( ' ', $classes );
+
+		$output .= "{$n}{$indent}<ul class='" . esc_attr( $class_names ) . "'>{$n}";
 	}
 
 	/**