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

The special drew heaps of critical acclaim for its storyline centering on the Heeler family possibly selling their home and moving to another city where dad Bandit would take a new job, as well as a wedding between the Heelers’ Uncle Rad and Frisky. —Rick Porter, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Apr. 2024

The storyline also saw the Heelers planning a move to a different city. —Esme Mazzeo, Peoplemag, 21 Apr. 2024

Erik Thommy made it 3-2, finishing a one-on-one chance, but then came the old storyline that has popped up for Sporting. —Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 21 Apr. 2024

How the Intel and Microsoft boards handled their successions, nine months apart, largely explains why the two companies’ storylines have diverged so dramatically. —Bygeoff Colvin, Fortune, 20 Apr. 2024

The entertainment performance features an original storyline that provides a peek behind the curtain of how stunt performances are designed and brought to life and will use the existing Waterworld set. —Selena Kuznikov, Variety, 19 Apr. 2024

Your dynamic with Ciara has been a big storyline this season. —Krystie Lee Yandoli, Rolling Stone, 19 Apr. 2024

Expect Folie a Deux to build on this interpretation, as the filmmakers don't appear wedded to any particular comic storylines. —EW.com, 10 Apr. 2024

In a fashion moment that felt like a chic take on the 27 Dresses storyline, past One Of clients attended the event wearing their favorite designs created by Patricia Voto, leading to an unofficial dress code and a few cute matching moments that served as conversation starters. —Vogue, 9 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1906, in the meaning defined at sense 1