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

These subplots were the best part of the season and laid the groundwork for the soaring heights of the finale. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 10 July 2026

One subplot of today’s match between Morocco and France will be how dedicated Morocco is to scoring. — Joe Murphy, NBC news, 9 July 2026

What a delightful subplot to this World Cup — that the globe’s very best players, Argentina’s Lionel Messi, France’s Kylian Mbappe, Haaland and Kane, are at the forefront of the giants angling for the Golden Boot scoring title. — Miami Herald, 7 July 2026

The idea that a candidate could have a Nazi tattoo and stay in the race sounds more like a subplot from Veep than the reality upon which several prominent Democrats staked their reputations. — Mike Nelson, The Atlantic, 7 July 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