plotline

noun

plot·​line ˈplät-ˌlīn How to pronounce plotline (audio)
: a connected series of occurrences that form the plot or part of the plot in a story or drama

Examples of plotline in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The series is wildly atmospheric with plenty of gallows humor and more than a few truly loopy plotlines, but great fun with Davis managing, as ever, to sell even the most preposterous scene. Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2026 How can a plotline about a man (Michael Johnston) who wishes upon a magical toy branch for the unrequited love of his life (Indie Navarrette) to return his affections not involve some blood? Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 7 June 2026 The Netflix series − inspired by the 1981 film of the same name, starring Alan Alda, Carol Burnett and Rita Moreno − diverted from the movie's plotline by killing Nick (Carell) in a car crash in Season 1. Erin Jensen, USA Today, 28 May 2026 Across a pulsating 120 minutes, the two teams shared eight goals in an afternoon of drama containing the additional plotline of lifelong Sunderland fan Clive Mendonca netting a hat-trick for the Londoners. Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 23 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for plotline

Word History

First Known Use

1952, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of plotline was in 1952

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Cite this Entry

“Plotline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plotline. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.

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