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

Created by Hank Green and Bernie Su and starring Ashley Clements as Lizzie Bennet, this series adaptation stays true to the original while freshening the storylines and reimagining some of the relationships. —Andrea Wurzburger, PEOPLE, 29 Nov. 2025

The results of the Men's WarGames Match tonight are expected to clarify the immediate path to the main event, setting the stage for the major storyline of 2026. —Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Nov. 2025

Study up on both teams and prevalent storylines brought to you by The Courier Journal between helpings of turkey and pumpkin pie. —Stephanie Stremplewski, Louisville Courier Journal, 29 Nov. 2025

His romance with Meredith became one of the show's most popular storylines, which made his sudden death in season 11 all the more devastating. —Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Nov. 2025

That’s when her storyline really came to life. —Kate Aurthur, Variety, 27 Nov. 2025

For DeLoach who lost her father four years ago, this storyline is particularly meaningful. —Rebecca Angel Baer, Southern Living, 27 Nov. 2025

Three storylines for Chiefs-Cowboys 1. —Scott Chasen, Kansas City Star, 27 Nov. 2025

These archrivals will be playing each other again one week later at Gillette for a state championship, which only adds to the storyline. —Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 26 Nov. 2025

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