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
This newfound power hints at a broader origin story linked to the show’s long-running subplots.
—
Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2025
There’s also the family subplot.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 25 Nov. 2025
And while the McCaffrey-versus-his-old-team trope will be an important subplot Monday, another will come to the fore as well.
—Charlotte Observer, 24 Nov. 2025
Unfortunately, the show has not toned down the ridiculous Angela and Ainsley subplots even a little bit in season two.
—Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 23 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subplot
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.
Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2025
There’s also the family subplot.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 25 Nov. 2025
And while the McCaffrey-versus-his-old-team trope will be an important subplot Monday, another will come to the fore as well.
—Charlotte Observer, 24 Nov. 2025
Unfortunately, the show has not toned down the ridiculous Angela and Ainsley subplots even a little bit in season two.
—Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 23 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for subplot
Cite this Entry
“Subplot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subplot. Accessed 2 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
subplot
noun
sub·plot
ˈsəb-ˌplät
: a subordinate plot in fiction or drama
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share