storyline

noun

sto·​ry·​line ˈstȯr-ē-ˌlīn 

variants or less commonly story line

plural storylines also story lines

1

: a plotline of a story, drama, or game

HBO's Insecure has been an exquisite platform of compelling, nuanced, mature storylines for Black TV comedy during its run.

—Matthew Allen

Pointless, menial objectives in a game distract from the main storyline and dilute the impact of more fun, engrossing missions.

—Teddy Amenabar

The two story lines, each with its own compelling view of love, coalesce in a dramatic and surprising ending.

—Martha Toll

also : story sense 1a

I've long wondered how the brain fits such unexpected sounds so smoothly and adroitly into dreams. The suggestion that the brain always brings phenomena to awareness a split second after they actually occur—in order to construct a plausible storyline for their appearance—offers a possible answer.

—Robert Levy

2

: a matter of particular importance, concern, or interest to an audience

—used especially in sports

The main storyline for the Timberwolves is the addition of three-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert.

—Tyler Schmidt

The fact Ovechkin has brought the impossible record within reach changes the way you watch the game. … Because Gretzky's goal total is the ultimate individual record in the sport, the chase trumps every other storyline surrounding this team from now until Ovechkin gets there.

—J. J. Regan

often : one that is evolving or developing

The offensive line is a major storyline to watch throughout training camp and the preseason, especially considering there's a new quarterback under center for the fifth consecutive season.

—Kevin Hickey

Synonyms

• action
• plot
• story

Examples of storyline in a Sentence

the story line is clumsily interrupted several times to provide some much-needed background information

Recent Examples on the Web

The ride got a new storyline that starred Jessica as a private investigator — wearing a trench coat over her iconic outfit. —Victoria Edel, People.com, 4 Nov. 2024

This season’s storyline guarantees a symphony of intrigue, betrayal, and unrelenting ambition as Madam fights tooth and nail to safeguard her empire and exact her revenge. —Okla Jones, Essence, 4 Nov. 2024

While the Sunday Night Football match-up between the Indianapolis Colts and Minnesota Vikings is notable for potential playoff seedings, the main storyline is the benching of Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson. —Ben Morse, CNN, 3 Nov. 2024

Juston Gordon-Montgomery grew up during the Attitude Era of pro wrestling — a time when the personalities were humongous, the storylines were wild, and the theater of it all bordered on high camp. —Charles Pulliam-Moore, The Verge, 2 Nov. 2024

But Cargill, after spurning big offers from AEW in 2023, has been in WWE for more than a year—and on the main roster for the better part of 2024—with very little actual storyline development. —Blake Oestriecher, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024

Perhaps the most hyped freshman in a generation; the return of the ACC's Player of the Year; a follow-up to a remarkable run to the Final Four — the college basketball storylines in the Triangle this year are full of reasons to clear your schedule and make it to a game. —Zachery Eanes, Axios, 1 Nov. 2024

These storylines have political weight in the context of a nation hurtling toward a revolution that would ultimately overthrow an authoritarian regime and establish a constitutional republic. —Judy Berman, TIME, 1 Nov. 2024

The storyline was a political twist for Beverly Hills — a city that has, at least publicly, been vocal in its support for reproductive rights. —Jack Flemming, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1906, in the meaning defined at sense 1