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

There’s also a subplot involving organ harvesting, Russian traffickers and a rabbi (Fred Melamed) who joins forces with Father Joe, proving that Goys and Jews can sometimes fight crime hand-in-hand. — Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 11 Sep. 2026

Every game pitting McVay against friend/mentor/nemesis Shanahan is full of subplots. — Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026

The best subplot involves a new, young part-time UPS worker who challenges the Teamster party line involving the UPS contract. — Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 9 Sep. 2026

And yet, his latest film includes a subplot in which the sisters learn to look after a wild fox. — Nate Jones, Vulture, 3 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