storyline

noun

sto·​ryline 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

In storylines caricatured from real life, Shannen was the free-spirited, post-fame holdout, and the one whose paycheck was the envy of her castmates. —Judy Berman, TIME, 14 July 2024

The claims by powerful business leaders with large online followings helped influence the direction of platform itself, as well as the storylines viewed by millions of people. —Faiz Siddiqui, Washington Post, 14 July 2024

The first film establishes numerous storylines and many characters, played by a cast that, alongside Costner, includes Sienna Miller, Sam Worthington, Jena Malone, Luke Wilson, Isabelle Fuhrman, Tatanka Means, Ella Hunt, Abbey Lee and Danny Huston. —Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 11 July 2024

Days of Our Lives fans are seeing the last of Bill Hayes as his character’s storyline comes to an end. —Liza Esquibias, Peoplemag, 11 July 2024

To reveal much more of the plot would risk spoilers and rob Escola’s whiplash storyline of its great pleasures. —Greg Evans, Deadline, 11 July 2024

The storyline focuses on the Lamberts, a couple whose son slips into a comatose state after becoming possessed by an evil spirit. —Patrick Connolly, Orlando Sentinel, 11 July 2024

Here are the top storylines to watch: Biden's next big test After Biden's debate performance last month ignited panic among Democrats, his campaign has been urgently searching for opportunities to undo damage and prove the president can be an effective leader for the future. —Shannon K. Crawford, ABC News, 9 July 2024

The beloved storyline follows a divorced male actor who comes up with a plan to masquerade as a elderly female nanny — dubbed Euphegenia Doubtfire — in order to be able to spend more time with his children. —Jim Harrington, The Mercury News, 1 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1906, in the meaning defined at sense 1