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

In a new interview with People, Cipriano teased what viewers can expect of the Logan and Grace storyline. —Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 31 May 2026

Fort Worth Star-Telegram columnist Mac Engel covered a wide range of sports storylines this week, from a historic Indianapolis 500 finish to the tragic death of a former NHL player. —Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 May 2026

Demie sees her storyline as one of naivete. —Seija Rankin, HollywoodReporter, 31 May 2026

Facing a kayfabe firing on the May 18 Raw, Fatu challenged Reigns to Tribal Combat, framing the storyline as a Bloodline succession question. —Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026

Jeff Van Gundy would have been a compelling storyline as well. —Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 May 2026

The major storyline is more about beyond 2026, as McMillian and Moss are both entering contract years. —Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 29 May 2026

As previously reported, Season 4 will feature the same cast and characters, but will feature a time jump and entirely new storyline. —Joe Otterson, Variety, 28 May 2026

The Deuce star also revealed in the interview that despite her character’s storyline being left up in the air, she is slated to return for the third season, which will reportedly begin filming in the summer. —Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 28 May 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