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

Becca’s storyline has been expanded on greatly this season. —Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 23 Mar. 2026

No, the Mosley storyline, for me, is the story of fascism in Britain and Europe. —Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 23 Mar. 2026

While all the characters have compelling storylines, the women, who can only express their desires through their attachment to men, are the most compelling. —Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 22 Mar. 2026

The storyline turned out to be more timely than the show's writers anticipated. —Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 20 Mar. 2026

Being a dad to 10 kids is something that’s been a part of your storyline in comedy and that people have gravitated to. —Deputy Entertainment, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2026

Mel has a very stressful storyline this season. —Sam Reed, Glamour, 20 Mar. 2026

Our reporters also picked their favorite games on today’s slate and some storylines to watch through March. —Steve Kornacki, NBC news, 19 Mar. 2026

Over a month and a half into the Nancy Guthrie investigation, there are a lot of different storylines people are following about the abduction of Savannah Guthrie’s mom. —Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 19 Mar. 2026

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