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 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
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.
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
Cite this Entry
“Subplot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subplot. Accessed 29 Oct. 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