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

Identifying and helping cultivate fresh storylines driven by relatable characters are integral to that success. —Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2026

The most extreme parts of Euphoria season 3 are in Rue’s storyline. —Bethy Squires, Vulture, 13 Apr. 2026

Reaction to the storyline was pretty strong online. —Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 13 Apr. 2026

Los Angeles features a terrific storyline as Anze Kopitar is retiring at season’s end. —Troy Renck, Denver Post, 13 Apr. 2026

In the show, the kids are older and there's more dialogue and storylines than the original series, which is mostly song-based. —Kara Nesvig, Parents, 12 Apr. 2026

The biggest storyline this weekend will be how Rory McIlroy manages his quest for a second straight Masters title, a feat only three others have accomplished in the 90-year history of the tournament. —Stan Awtrey, AJC.com, 11 Apr. 2026

Rivera broke barriers with Lopez's storyline of being a lesbian and coming out to her traditional Hispanic family and grandmother. —James Mercadante, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Apr. 2026

Safechuck and Robson have not publicly denounced the upcoming biopic or its alleged nixing of the scandal storyline. —Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 11 Apr. 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