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

Freak accidents streak through the storylines with kinetic, electrifying energy, igniting a chain reaction of over-the-top kills that coincide under extreme circumstances. —Michael Lee Simpson, EW.com, 26 Oct. 2024

In the meantime, hit the comments and share your hopes for Mandy’s Season 1 storyline (and beyond). —Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 26 Oct. 2024

Perhaps what makes the Rizzo-Freeman storyline intriguing is both are playing through injuries and coping with them in varying degrees. —Larry Fleisher, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024

Created in 1971, the game reached cult status among American grade schoolers by the 1990s as one of the first educational computer games allowed in schools — and for its hilariously dark storylines filled with broken arms, typhoid and dysentery. —Mia Galuppo, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Oct. 2024

Other possible reasons for the cancellation include a shift in focus from the original premise, younger actors aging out of their roles, the other spinoff series in development and the desire to avoid the inevitable storyline of Sheldon's father's affair and death. —Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 24 Oct. 2024

Those familiar with the Marvel comics storylines know that Billy ultimately becomes the superhero Wiccan, but in adapting this character for the screen, both Locke and creator and showrunner Jac Schaeffer wanted to put their own imprint on his arc. —Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 19 Oct. 2024

The lack of major franchise attachment and niche storyline appears to have narrowed the audience. —Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 18 Oct. 2024

Showrunner Debby Wolfe said seeing the Lopez and his daughter Mayan, who plays his daughter on the show as well, in action, along with other cast members’ true lives, has inspired a lot of the storylines viewers have seen. —Liza Esquibias, People.com, 18 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1906, in the meaning defined at sense 1