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
Muschietti says Season 2 will explore the story of a subplot King planted in the original 1986 IT novel.
—
Scott Huver, Deadline, 26 Apr. 2026
Should make for a fascinating subplot.
—Jordan Bianchi, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
While Delp’s selection by the New Orleans Saints in the third round was the reason for the celebration, the dog’s quiet determination provided a subplot no one saw coming.
—Sara Vallone, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Apr. 2026
Fans of the Bulls will undoubtedly recognize a climactic moment in Running Point season two, but another subplot involving Waves’ captain, Marcus Winfield, and rising star, Dyson Gibbs, was surprisingly not inspired by one of the few blemishes of the Bulls’ 1990s dynasty.
—Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 23 Apr. 2026
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.
Scott Huver, Deadline, 26 Apr. 2026
Should make for a fascinating subplot.
—Jordan Bianchi, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
While Delp’s selection by the New Orleans Saints in the third round was the reason for the celebration, the dog’s quiet determination provided a subplot no one saw coming.
—Sara Vallone, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Apr. 2026
Fans of the Bulls will undoubtedly recognize a climactic moment in Running Point season two, but another subplot involving Waves’ captain, Marcus Winfield, and rising star, Dyson Gibbs, was surprisingly not inspired by one of the few blemishes of the Bulls’ 1990s dynasty.
—Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for subplot
Cite this Entry
“Subplot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subplot. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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
