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

Coupled with that, there is the horrendous storyline that this is a deep, deep family friend. — Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 29 June 2026

Brought to you by Emma Seligman, Shiva Baby is a comedy memorable for its distinctive storyline, witty dialogue, and stellar performances—especially from Molly Gordon, Dianna Agron, and star Rachel Sennott. — Liam Hess, Vogue, 28 June 2026

For all the soccer storylines on the pitch at the 2026 World Cup, perhaps the most entertaining has come off it, between representatives of Sweden and the United States. — Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 28 June 2026

This year’s storyline involves a royal succession scenario, which suggests pageantry and heated drama. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 28 June 2026

Here, The Athletic’s tennis writers Ava Wallace, Matt Futterman and Charlie Eccleshare chart some of the key storylines to follow over the next two weeks. — Ava Wallace, New York Times, 27 June 2026

Unfortunately, the juggling of storylines ends up being more schematic than insightful. — Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026

All of this business, however, gets in the way of providing Supergirl herself with a fulfilling storyline. — David Sims, The Atlantic, 26 June 2026

Bad luck has plagued this storyline. — Darren Cooper, Forbes.com, 26 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