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 advice for England fans seeking levity and distraction amid the team’s intense start to their European Championship defence was to flick over to ITV X, the streaming platform for one of the UK’s Euros broadcasters, for the wildest subplot of the tournament. Katie Whyatt, New York Times, 12 July 2025 The conventionality that Gunn resorts to includes a subplot with the Green Lantern League, a jokey crew of XYZ-men knock-offs. Armond White, National Review, 11 July 2025 Ultimately, the Antonio/Sebastian subplot feels like more of a distraction than an addition to the play’s already messy central relationships and complex gender dynamics. Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 6 July 2025 Similarly, the billionaire-villain forgery subplot and the insertion of romance into team dynamics came across as forced, hackneyed and unnecessary. Karl Moore, Forbes.com, 3 July 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

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Cite this Entry

“Subplot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subplot. Accessed 19 Jul. 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

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