subplot

noun

sub·​plot ˈsəb-ˌplät 

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

Headset communications emerged as the latest subplot surrounding this presidential visit. — ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026

Even the film’s potentially provocative examination of open marriages falls by the wayside, replaced by an increasingly strained subplot involving Haru contending with Mila’s unexpected arrival. — Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026

There’s also a subplot involving John being blackmailed by a café waitress regarding him punching Hal right before he was killed. — Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 21 Sep. 2026

The film’s subplot is a love story between the farmer and the vet, except the growth potion complicates the farmer’s attraction. — Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 18 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1812, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

subplot

noun

sub·​plot ˈsəb-ˌplät 

: a subordinate plot in fiction or drama