subplot

noun

sub·​plot ˈsəb-ˌplät How to pronounce subplot (audio)
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
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Kim Ro-sa and Sang-wol’s love story One of the major subplots in Our Unwritten Seoul concerns Kim Ro-sa (Won Mi-kyung), an older woman who runs a restaurant in the block KFMC wants to develop. Kayti Burt, Time, 30 June 2025 Its set pieces remain impressively staged, and the intriguing subplots regarding the tournament’s mysterious creation—including the ongoing search for the island on which the event takes place—pick up after being sidelined in Season 2. Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 27 June 2025 Charlotte’s power play failures became the subplot that derailed its title hopes. Colin Cerniglia, Charlotte Observer, 24 June 2025 Those go a long way in forgiving the multitude of subplots and the toolbox of car cliches. Brian Truitt, USA Today, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for subplot

Word History

First Known Use

1812, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of subplot was in 1812

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Cite this Entry

“Subplot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subplot. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

subplot

noun
sub·​plot ˈsəb-ˌplät How to pronounce subplot (audio)
: a subordinate plot in fiction or drama

More from Merriam-Webster on subplot

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