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

Asked whether the Russian storyline portends a narrative more rooted in world events, White demurs. —Charlie Campbell, TIME, 24 Jan. 2025

There will be drama and a cool storyline, but Sami isn’t going to win. —Brian Mazique, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025

The storyline revolves around a delicious plot twist that the film’s trailer unfortunately gives away in wanton fashion, so my presenting a spoiler alert seems a bit superfluous. —Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Jan. 2025

From there, Apple will pick out the best photos and videos that match the description, create a storyline based on themes associated with the photos, and generate a movie with its own narrative. —Brenda Stolyar, WIRED, 21 Jan. 2025

This is more likely to be an offseason decision because New York is still in the playoff mix, but Miller’s future in the Big Apple is a fascinating storyline to monitor. —Harman Dayal, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025

That’ll be a storyline worth following once spring training begins. —Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 19 Jan. 2025

How else does one explain the hypocrisy of claiming to value LGBTQ+ creators, audiences and employees, then forging lucrative, multiyear relationships with transphobic comics or excising a trans storyline from a children’s series? —Matt Brennan, Los Angeles Times, 19 Jan. 2025

The win became a national storyline and would resonate with players across the country. —Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1906, in the meaning defined at sense 1