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
Matthew AllenPointless, menial objectives in a game distract from the main storyline and dilute the impact of more fun, engrossing missions.—Teddy Amenabar
Teddy AmenabarThe two story lines, each with its own compelling view of love, coalesce in a dramatic and surprising ending.—Martha Toll
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
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
Tyler SchmidtThe 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
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
Kevin Hickey 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 other big question in this storyline is whether Sritala’s husband really is the man who murdered Rick’s father.
—Erik Kain, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
The gaming industry workforce is significantly more diverse than the US workforce more broadly, and studios and developers are adopting more inclusive storylines and characters.
—Harmeet Kaur, CNN, 23 Mar. 2025
Indeed, there’s still a lot left for season three to juggle: Belinda (Natasha Rothwell) versus Greg (Jon Gries), Rick (Walton Goggins) versus the man who killed his father and the three best friends against each other, among other storylines.
—Josh Wigler, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Mar. 2025
The 2004 film was followed up in 2011 with Mean Girls 2, with a new cast and different storyline.
—Denise Petski, Deadline, 22 Mar. 2025
Brad [Bell] has trusted me with so many wonderful storylines.
—Jeremy Helligar, People.com, 21 Mar. 2025
Icarus This arc inverts the Man in a Hole storyline.
—Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 21 Mar. 2025
That’s one of several storylines already on tap for the NBC sitcom’s 18-episode sophomore run, which also promises to pick up the pace on Gabby’s journey into motherhood… and maybe even introduce her wackadoo parents.
—Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 21 Mar. 2025
There’s no storyline or single way to play: Users can make objects, build structures, fight enemy mobs, befriend animals and explore the islands crafted by other players.
—Jennifer Maas, Variety, 19 Mar. 2025
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Erik Kain, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
The gaming industry workforce is significantly more diverse than the US workforce more broadly, and studios and developers are adopting more inclusive storylines and characters.
—Harmeet Kaur, CNN, 23 Mar. 2025
Indeed, there’s still a lot left for season three to juggle: Belinda (Natasha Rothwell) versus Greg (Jon Gries), Rick (Walton Goggins) versus the man who killed his father and the three best friends against each other, among other storylines.
—Josh Wigler, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Mar. 2025
The 2004 film was followed up in 2011 with Mean Girls 2, with a new cast and different storyline.
—Denise Petski, Deadline, 22 Mar. 2025
Brad [Bell] has trusted me with so many wonderful storylines.
—Jeremy Helligar, People.com, 21 Mar. 2025
Icarus This arc inverts the Man in a Hole storyline.
—Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 21 Mar. 2025
That’s one of several storylines already on tap for the NBC sitcom’s 18-episode sophomore run, which also promises to pick up the pace on Gabby’s journey into motherhood… and maybe even introduce her wackadoo parents.
—Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 21 Mar. 2025
There’s no storyline or single way to play: Users can make objects, build structures, fight enemy mobs, befriend animals and explore the islands crafted by other players.
—Jennifer Maas, Variety, 19 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Storyline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/storyline. Accessed 29 Mar. 2025.
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