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 once-riveting storyline feels more like lather, rinse, repeat, and WWE fans are responding accordingly. —Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026

William Karlsson, whose return from injury has been a compelling storyline for the Vegas Golden Knights in these playoffs, left Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final on Thursday with an injury and his status for the rest of the series appears to be in doubt. —Rich Hammond, New York Times, 14 June 2026

So when the workings of the world, with its shouty messaging and manipulative storylines, get to be too much—when all of that strategized meaning feels like an imposition—go to the Met or Olana or your nearest Church. —Susan Tallman, The Atlantic, 13 June 2026

The Dallas Cowboys finished organized team activities in Frisco this week ahead of mandatory minicamp, with several storylines emerging from the practice field. —Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 June 2026

The extent of Rose’s Season 4 presence is unclear as her storyline is being kept under wraps. —Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 12 June 2026

And there will be other storylines no one saw coming, all of which will contribute to the narrative of this World Cup. —Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2026

One of the most satisfying storylines to emerge from this series has been the critical reevaluation of Karl-Anthony Towns’ legacy. —Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 12 June 2026

The rest of the aliens' storyline is purposely left vague at the end of Disclosure Day. —Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 12 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