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

With five goals in just two matches, Messi's prolific start has ignited an exciting goal-scoring rivalry with France's Kylian Mbappe, who also has 16 career goals, promising a captivating subplot for the tournament. — Michael Lewis, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026

Although not being anyone’s main focus this summer, the Golden Boot race is proving to be a fascinating subplot that will have plenty of twists and turns before the final next month. — Ben Church, CNN Money, 23 June 2026

One of the movie’s most haunting subplots involves prisoners, who are pulled from labor camps looking half-dead and subsequently folded into Michael Caine‘s soccer team at the Brit’s insistence, but possibly to his squad’s detriment. — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 19 June 2026

And George's 8 Mile subplot is full of action. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 19 June 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