subplot

noun

sub·​plot ˈsəb-ˌplät How to pronounce subplot (audio)
Synonyms of subplotnext
1
: a subordinate plot in fiction or drama
2
: a subdivision of an experimental plot of land

Examples of subplot in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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But a certain soccer-adjacent subplot is already proving worth the price of admission. Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 10 June 2026 Diaspora is no longer a subplot in international football. Yinka Adegoke, semafor.com, 10 June 2026 That meant not only more extreme shifts between horror, humor, and heart, but a larger number of characters and subplots to service. Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 9 June 2026 Abigail Cowen gets off to a rough start as Percy’s almost cartoonishly catty ex-friend, but eventually matures into a real bright spot as Delilah’s marital troubles get a funny-sad subplot of their own. Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 9 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for subplot

Word History

First Known Use

1812, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of subplot was in 1812

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Cite this Entry

“Subplot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subplot. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

subplot

noun
sub·​plot ˈsəb-ˌplät How to pronounce subplot (audio)
: a subordinate plot in fiction or drama

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