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

Over the past month or so, that creative direction has gotten off-course a bit, with unclear WrestleMania paths for numerous marquee stars and SmackDown struggling to deliver entertaining storylines. —Blake Oestriecher, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025

Death at the hands of charlatans is not an inspiring storyline, which means publishers and film studios studiously avoid it. —Alan Levinovitz, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 28 Feb. 2025

Marketers are increasingly thinking farther out of the box to create new places for fan favorite entertainment storylines and characters to thrive. —William Earl, Variety, 28 Feb. 2025

The storyline, which saw a bedridden Georgie (Montana Jordan) visited by his dead dad, was inspired by similar dreams that series co-creator Chuck Lorre has had of his own father. —Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 27 Feb. 2025

So, there are still explosive storylines and resolutions that happen with the younger cast in the final five episodes. —Demetrius Patterson, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Feb. 2025

Still, with wealth comes juicy storylines and messy scandals that the Dupree family is forced to navigate without falling apart. —Charmaine Patterson, People.com, 26 Feb. 2025

Jeremy Gauna takes on the role and continues Plenty Clouds’ storyline. —Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2025

Indy intel: The combine’s storylines With coaches, general managers and prospects (along with The Athletic staff) flooding the area around Lucas Oil Stadium this week, answers to pressing NFL questions feel almost as crucial as excessive steak consumption. —Jacob Robinson, The Athletic, 24 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1906, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for storyline

• acridine
• alkaline
• andesine
• anodyne
• anticline
• arginine
• asinine
• atropine
• benzidine
• borderline
• byzantine
• calamine