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 of storyline

• story
• plot
• action

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 next season is expected to explore the Arabasta storyline, one of the original manga’s major arcs. —Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 17 Mar. 2026

The video turns him in a bit of a Robin Hood with a storyline not in the song, but ends on the same sad conclusion hinted at in the lyrics… parakeet and all. —Melinda Newman, Billboard, 16 Mar. 2026

Inclusive characters and storylines in Peppa Pig teach kids to celebrate differences and respond with empathy. —Hannah Silverman, Parents, 16 Mar. 2026

The next season is expected to explore the Arabasta storyline, a major arc in Eiichiro Oda’s original manga. —Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 16 Mar. 2026

There are numerous juicy storylines that could add even more intrigue to the East Region. —Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 16 Mar. 2026

In the manga storyline, the Straw Hats arrive in the kingdom of Arabasta to help Princess Vivi confront Baroque Works and its leader Sir Crocodile. —Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 16 Mar. 2026

A day filled with all kinds of storylines kicks off with a matchup hard not to look at affectionately. —Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 14 Mar. 2026

Myki appears to be self-producing a storyline about having to rewrite her material, but Michelle and Atsuko are pretty positive about her material anyway. —Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 14 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1906, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for storyline

• acridine
• alkaline
• andesine
• anodyne
• anticline
• arginine
• asinine
• atropine
• benzidine
• borderline
• byzantine
• calamine