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

Stepping outside of the episodic nature of the show, these two episodes hone in on a subplot that’s been blossoming since the series opener. — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 7 Aug. 2026

So does the subplot between Spock and Kirk that gives the episode its title. — Keith Phipps, Vulture, 6 Aug. 2026

In both shows, romance takes a back seat as a minor subplot, proving that WOCA (an acronym for women of a certain age that Ride Or Die fully embraces) are interested in more than love stories and relationship triangles. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 4 Aug. 2026

That qualifies as the most important development for a team that needs Nix at his best to chase a Super Bowl in 2026, but there have been plenty of other subplots to monitor. — Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 4 Aug. 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