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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This game’s subplot is the quarterback matchup. Steve Fryer, Oc Register, 22 Oct. 2025 Yet another confusing subplot from a confusing game. Luca Evans, Denver Post, 20 Oct. 2025 Her longstanding interest in the sinister side of globalization led her to include a subplot in Mumbai and to travel to the city to meet with embroiderers there. Laura Cappelle, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025 The pileup of Matlock plots and subplots got to be a bit much last season, especially given that nearly every episode also included a new legal case for Olympia’s team to handle — in less than 44 minutes of screen time, usually. Noel Murray, Vulture, 13 Oct. 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 28 Oct. 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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