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
Surprisingly, the storyline that seemed furthest removed from prayer and searching sees their most successful application.
—Alison Herman, Variety, 7 Apr. 2025
Author and showrunner Jenny Han teases that season 3 will deviate from the storyline in her book series.
—Randall Colburn, EW.com, 6 Apr. 2025
That stung Fitzgerald, who had been developing the storyline through previous short stories and novels.
—Ron Grossman, Chicago Tribune, 6 Apr. 2025
In Sunday’s stressful Season 3 finale, all the storylines came to a tragic climax, with Chelsea (Aimee Lou Wood), Rick (Walton Goggins) and Jim Hollinger (Scott Glenn), who was revealed to be Rick’s real father, all dying in a shootout at the resort.
—Alli Rosenbloom, CNN Money, 6 Apr. 2025
Audiences will also be tuning into to find out how exactly the girls’ trip storyline plays out.
—Aditi Shrikant, CNBC, 6 Apr. 2025
They’re getting involved early, embedding themselves into the storylines, and riding the cultural current in real time.
—Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025
This news brings hope to fans who have been missing their presence in recent storylines.
—Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Apr. 2025
The storyline’s most effective moments come when Simms is roaming through the hallways of the hospital, only to hear people talking about her, calling her manipulative, a liar, someone willing to throw good people under the bus for her own gain.
—Barry Levitt, Time, 3 Apr. 2025
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Alison Herman, Variety, 7 Apr. 2025
Author and showrunner Jenny Han teases that season 3 will deviate from the storyline in her book series.
—Randall Colburn, EW.com, 6 Apr. 2025
That stung Fitzgerald, who had been developing the storyline through previous short stories and novels.
—Ron Grossman, Chicago Tribune, 6 Apr. 2025
In Sunday’s stressful Season 3 finale, all the storylines came to a tragic climax, with Chelsea (Aimee Lou Wood), Rick (Walton Goggins) and Jim Hollinger (Scott Glenn), who was revealed to be Rick’s real father, all dying in a shootout at the resort.
—Alli Rosenbloom, CNN Money, 6 Apr. 2025
Audiences will also be tuning into to find out how exactly the girls’ trip storyline plays out.
—Aditi Shrikant, CNBC, 6 Apr. 2025
They’re getting involved early, embedding themselves into the storylines, and riding the cultural current in real time.
—Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025
This news brings hope to fans who have been missing their presence in recent storylines.
—Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Apr. 2025
The storyline’s most effective moments come when Simms is roaming through the hallways of the hospital, only to hear people talking about her, calling her manipulative, a liar, someone willing to throw good people under the bus for her own gain.
—Barry Levitt, Time, 3 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Storyline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/storyline. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
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