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

By tightening those subplots, the series focuses more by design on exploring the inner lives of Cathy, Adam and Lee (Hoon Lee) — the Trask’s cook and housekeeper who becomes a second parent of sorts to Charles’ twin boys, Cal and Aron. — Max Gao, Variety, 4 Oct. 2026

Instead, Iñárritu shoves in a limp subplot about a missing daughter to humanize him. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026

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

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