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

Even shows like Game of Thrones, Outlander, and Bridgerton, which are based on book series that supply multiple seasons's worth of storylines, have expanded into full-on cinematic universes through spin-off shows. —Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 27 Dec. 2025

Other interpersonal storylines resolved in Volume 2 are the ongoing questions of what would happen to Nancy (Natalia Dyer) and Jonathan as a couple, and why exactly Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo) has been so angry at Steve (Joe Keery). —Kate Aurthur, Variety, 26 Dec. 2025

The on-screen couple’s storyline left off with them trying to adopt a child, but their application was denied due to their line of work. —Liza Esquibias, PEOPLE, 25 Dec. 2025

Peterson’s status has been an ongoing storyline this season. —Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 22 Dec. 2025

Stolen from another influencer, the accessory carries a storyline and acts as an extension of A’zion’s rebellious character. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 22 Dec. 2025

Adding of what a potential storyline could look like, Seyfried echoed previous sentiments that a third film could center on her character Sophie’s newfound motherhood. —Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 21 Dec. 2025

If the show is renewed for a sixth season, what are your hopes regarding next season’s storyline? —Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 21 Dec. 2025

Breaking from the typical Hallmark formula, the movie has an ensemble cast and intersecting storylines, featuring the lives of customers, staff, and family members. —Janey Tracey, Entertainment Weekly, 20 Dec. 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