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
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The Irving and Dylan subplots both wound up underfed because so much time was being devoted to other issues, including two episodes late in the season where neither character appeared at all. Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 21 Mar. 2025 But each little subplot gave us a peculiar little twist. Erik Kain, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025 More compelling is the play’s main subplot, which follows the relationship between Fumio (Red Concepción), a middle-ranking wrestler at the heya, and Ren (an imposing Ahmad Kamal), the hardest worker in the stable, top in the rankings underneath Mitsuo and an infinitely more humane soul. Sara Holdren, Vulture, 5 Mar. 2025 Unsurprisingly, the games have developed an enormous subplot in regards to the MVP award, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokić going head-to-head. Morten Stig Jensen, Forbes, 10 Mar. 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 2 Apr. 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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