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 free agency sweepstakes for international ace Tatsuya Imai is one of the more intriguing storylines of the winter.
—Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2025
Referencing the film’s storyline, Moura said that he was born in the middle of the Brazilian military dictatorship and related to his character’s struggles to stick to his values in the face of oppression.
—Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 6 Dec. 2025
The drama needs to grow organically and sprout new storylines that can continue the show’s position as a cultural force.
—Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 5 Dec. 2025
With the 90s setting on Origins, the storyline works seamlessly as the task force disbanded in 1994.
—Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 5 Dec. 2025
While the movie has widely become known as a fan-favorite for women, the cast and crew of The Notebook musical said their production makes the storyline perfect for all people of all ages.
—Dillon Thomas, CBS News, 5 Dec. 2025
But the following day, Mercury will re-enter the truth-seeking sign of Sagittarius, officially concluding its retrograde storyline and clearing the air around misunderstandings that have lingered for weeks.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 5 Dec. 2025
His discomfort stemmed from the storyline.
—Ralphie Aversa, USA Today, 5 Dec. 2025
Only one film featured a prominent menopause storyline.
—Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 5 Dec. 2025
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2025
Referencing the film’s storyline, Moura said that he was born in the middle of the Brazilian military dictatorship and related to his character’s struggles to stick to his values in the face of oppression.
—Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 6 Dec. 2025
The drama needs to grow organically and sprout new storylines that can continue the show’s position as a cultural force.
—Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 5 Dec. 2025
With the 90s setting on Origins, the storyline works seamlessly as the task force disbanded in 1994.
—Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 5 Dec. 2025
While the movie has widely become known as a fan-favorite for women, the cast and crew of The Notebook musical said their production makes the storyline perfect for all people of all ages.
—Dillon Thomas, CBS News, 5 Dec. 2025
But the following day, Mercury will re-enter the truth-seeking sign of Sagittarius, officially concluding its retrograde storyline and clearing the air around misunderstandings that have lingered for weeks.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 5 Dec. 2025
His discomfort stemmed from the storyline.
—Ralphie Aversa, USA Today, 5 Dec. 2025
Only one film featured a prominent menopause storyline.
—Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 5 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Storyline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/storyline. Accessed 7 Dec. 2025.
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