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

The bigger storyline for the duo is what comes after the team medals. —The Athletic Staff, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026

Vonn’s story is also relatable in a way that most Olympic storylines are not. —Frederick Dreier, Outside, 9 Feb. 2026

God of War will follow the storyline of the two most recent games in the franchise, with Kratos and Atreus going on a journey to spread the ashes of Faye, Kratos’ late wife and Atreus’ mother. —Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 9 Feb. 2026

The football storyline was your quarterback doesn’t matter if your line doesn’t. —Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 9 Feb. 2026

Vonn’s quest had been touted as one of the major storylines of these Winter Olympics—ESPN released a documentary following Vonn and other top skiers in their leadup to the Games—and she was supported by a deep stable of sponsors including Rolex, Range Rover, Red Bull and Under Armour. —Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 8 Feb. 2026

Still, there will be plenty of storylines to follow and questions that need answering. —Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 8 Feb. 2026

There was no shortage of storylines and subplots in Saturday’s game. —Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 8 Feb. 2026

The showrunners say the city is an essential part of the storyline. —Richard Guzman, Daily News, 8 Feb. 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