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

• action
• plot
• story

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

Cornerback The health of the cornerback room remains one of the biggest storylines heading into training camp, as the Cowboys await the return of Trevon Diggs to see how his health is progressing, and for rookie third-round pick Shavon Revel Jr. to fully recover from his torn ACL last October. —Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 June 2025

Hollywood studios have arguably been regurgitating the same storyline and created a world where the only thing that can succeed is a sequel to a Marvel film. —Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 4 June 2025

Davis says Balfe and David Berry struggled with the storyline. —Reshma Gopaldas, IndieWire, 4 June 2025

Here’s four major storylines to look out for in this year’s Stanley Cup Final. —Sean Neumann, People.com, 4 June 2025

Onscreen, the storylines will continue in the forthcoming Hulu-MGM sequel series, The Testaments, adapted from Atwood’s follow-up novel in which Ann Dowd’s Aunt Lydia will reprise her role as an educator of young girls raised in Gilead, likely including Hannah. —Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 3 June 2025

For Giudice, having a show where her life and career (she’s spent her time off from Bravo graduating college and building her influencer brand) are the main storyline feels completely new—and exciting. —Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 3 June 2025

This is the same storyline that helped the market recover Friday afternoon from a sell-off earlier in the session. —Jeff Marks, CNBC, 2 June 2025

Most teen-centric movies and TV shows include a prom storyline, with characters often showcasing some of the most head-turning looks. —Diana Pearl, People.com, 24 May 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