subplot

noun sub·plot \ ˈsəb-ˌplät \

|Updated on: 15 Jun 2018

Definition of subplot

1 : a subordinate plot in fiction or drama

2 : a subdivision of an experimental plot of land

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Recent Examples of subplot from the Web

Too many subplots make the story feel cluttered and no more intelligent.

— monica castillo, kansascity, "High-profile cast makes ‘Hotel Artemis’ worth checking out," 7 June 2018
The California primary that culminates on June 5 — that’s the best way to look at it, since a large majority of votes will be cast by mail ballot — has a lot of interesting subplots.

— ed kilgore, Daily Intelligencer, "How 3 Races in California Could Cost Democrats Control of the House of Representatives," 2 June 2018
Their setup is classical — in the sense that the chronologically told story has no surprising twists or unexpected subplots — and also a tad too leisurely.

— boyd van hoeij, The Hollywood Reporter, "'Mario': Film Review," 31 May 2018
Not all the wrinkles work, including a subplot involving a young nephew (Nicholas Braun) who is essentially cast in the role of minnow among the sharks, trying to claim a piece of his birthright.

— brian lowry, CNN, "'Succession' spins media dynasty into juicy HBO drama," 31 May 2018
Christine gets a smashing solo opportunity in the second, where backstage drama and assorted subplots coalesce around her operatic rendition of the show’s title song, lifting it into the musical-theater stratosphere.

— christopher arnott, courant.com, ""Love Never Dies" Brings The Phantom Of The Opera Back To Life At The Bushnell," 30 May 2018
The action accelerates as slowly as a stair car, accreting new subplots like hop-ons.

— New York Times, "Review: ‘Arrested Development’ Chases Its Past, Slowly," 28 May 2018
John John The Contest, season 4, episode 11 This episode is universally praised as one of the best ever, but Elaine’s subplot obsession with John F. Kennedy Jr. in her aerobics class is brilliant. 13.

— charles curtis, For The Win, "The definitive ranking of the 44 all-time greatest 'Seinfeld' sports moments," 14 May 2018
Little did anyone guess that instead of becoming the team’s first homegrown superstar at wide receiver, Taylor would launch the most frustrating subplot in the Ravens’ otherwise celebrated draft history.

— childs walker, baltimoresun.com, "To draft a receiver or not? Ravens again face question that has vexed franchise," 25 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'subplot.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of subplot

1812

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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SUBPLOT Defined for English Language Learners

subplot

noun

Definition of subplot for English Language Learners

: a plot that is related to but less important than the main plot of a story

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Definition of subplot

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