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

His departure was first reported by Deadline, which stated that Hawkins will appear in the first three episodes of Season 14 to wrap up his character's storyline. — Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 3 July 2026

And some of those storylines are even more alarming today after returning to them as a parent. — Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 3 July 2026

Hawkins, who has played Officer Kevin Atwater since the NBC drama debuted in 2014, will reportedly wrap Kevin's storyline within the first two or three episodes of the new season, the outlet reports. — Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 2 July 2026

This storyline that’s even making Vin Diesel wonder what’s possibly left to do needs you. — Candace Buckner, New York Times, 2 July 2026

The soaring temperatures might become an unexpected storyline in the tale of Swift and Kelce’s wedding weekend. — Alli Rosenbloom, CNN Money, 1 July 2026

In fact, much to my relief, both Joe and Nathan’s storylines this season have much more to do with work than women. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 30 June 2026

The Toronto Blue Jays have weathered plenty of ups and downs this season, but one storyline has become increasingly difficult to ignore. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

Beyond the storyline of those two players — whose games fit together like chocolate and peanut butter — finally playing together in the league after being competitors, this could be the 41-year-old James’ last year in the NBA. — Tom Tapp, Deadline, 30 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1906, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for storyline

• alkaline
• andesine
• anodyne
• anticline
• arginine
• asinine
• benzidine
• borderline
• byzantine
• calamine
• caroline
• centerline