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.
The movie follows a similar arc, with an additional subplot in which the creature destroys the city while under the influence of a powerful demon. Katie Rife, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Oct. 2025 For instance, one of the driving subplots of the movie is hot teen boy Miller’s desire to be a filmmaker. Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2025 Similar to Season 3 — which shot mainly on the island of Koh Samui with some episodes in Bangkok, where Rick Hatchett (Walton Goggins) prepares a doomed revenge plan — the story of Season 4 will likely unfold mostly in the South of France, with a subplot in Paris. Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 29 Oct. 2025 With the World Series opening Friday night in Toronto, the first advantage in the pop-culture subplot competition of the series went to Drake. Mike Wilson, New York Times, 26 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Subplot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subplot. Accessed 6 Nov. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!