variants
or less commonly log line
or log-line
plural loglines also log lines or log-lines
: a simple synopsis of a screenplay, film, novel, etc. that is used for pitching (see pitch entry 3 sense 3c) or promotion
You're not telling a story in a logline. You're presenting the core concept of your script. You don't need to delve into twists, character arcs, and plot. You're simply conveying the core idea—the initial seed from that which the plot, characters, twists, turns, and ensuing conflict grows.—
Ken Miyamoto
Ken MiyamotoThe new series "tells the story of one year within the walls of the palace of a modern European regime as it begins to unravel," according to its official logline.—Charna Flam
Charna FlamThere are many formats you can use to write a good logline. (The one I currently use is: "When _____ happens to [your hero], he must do _____ in order to solve his problem.)"—Linda Venis
Linda Venis[Brad] Pitt himself gave [screenwriter Steve] Conrad producing notes to help push the narrative beyond the surface gimmick. … But in spite of its bankable star and juicy log line, the film never went into production.—Yohana Desta
Yohana DestaExamples of logline in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Similar to Barbarian, a surface-level logline description about missing kids is but the tip of a massive and wildly complex iceberg.
—EW.com, 28 Apr. 2025
As we are told by the official logline for the episode (which airs on ABC at 10/9c), Caterina Scorsone’s on-screen counterpart undertakes an extremely risky procedure on a young patient — whose anxious mother is played by Yellowstone alum Piper Perabo.
—Charlie Mason, TVLine, 27 Apr. 2025
The logline is under wraps, but sources say the film takes place during the summer of 1976, when a young Anthony Bourdain has a life-changing summer in Provincetown.
—Justin Kroll, Deadline, 23 Apr. 2025
When the Star Wars series debuted in September 2022, little about its logline suggested a clear pathway to greatness.
—Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 21 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for logline
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EW.com, 28 Apr. 2025
As we are told by the official logline for the episode (which airs on ABC at 10/9c), Caterina Scorsone’s on-screen counterpart undertakes an extremely risky procedure on a young patient — whose anxious mother is played by Yellowstone alum Piper Perabo.
—Charlie Mason, TVLine, 27 Apr. 2025
The logline is under wraps, but sources say the film takes place during the summer of 1976, when a young Anthony Bourdain has a life-changing summer in Provincetown.
—Justin Kroll, Deadline, 23 Apr. 2025
When the Star Wars series debuted in September 2022, little about its logline suggested a clear pathway to greatness.
—Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 21 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for logline
Cite this Entry
“Logline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/logline. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
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