subplot

noun

sub·​plot ˈsəb-ˌplät How to pronounce subplot (audio)
Synonyms of subplotnext
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
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On the other hand, the Golden Knights have a really fun Pokémon subplot. Dan Shanoff, New York Times, 3 June 2026 The dysfunction that led to the swift and stunning collapse of Sacramento’s original Beam Team will be a minor subplot for national media and a major talking point on local airwaves as the Spurs prepare to host Game 1 on Wednesday. Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 2 June 2026 The latter half of the season started stitching some of these subplots together, at least in a literal sense. Alison Herman, Variety, 1 June 2026 The story not only oscillates within its multiple subplots, but dives into parts of modern society that are both fascinating and disturbing. David John Chávez, Mercury News, 29 May 2026 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

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Cite this Entry

“Subplot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subplot. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

subplot

noun
sub·​plot ˈsəb-ˌplät How to pronounce subplot (audio)
: a subordinate plot in fiction or drama

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