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

Despite the heavy theme, the film leaves viewers crying during one scene and laughing at the next, thanks to the witty dialogue and slapstick humor intertwined with the heart-wrenching storylines. —Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 20 Dec. 2025

While the Dallas Cowboys have been eliminated from playoff contention, several storylines are still relevant for the final three games of the season. —Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Dec. 2025

Breaking from the typical Hallmark formula, the movie has an ensemble cast and intersecting storylines, featuring the lives of customers, staff, and family members. —Janey Tracey, Entertainment Weekly, 20 Dec. 2025

The film does not allude to Al-Sisi, who came to power in a military coup in 2013, before being officially elected as president in low turnout elections in 2014, but its storyline rattled the authorities, nonetheless. —Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 19 Dec. 2025

These coexisting storylines reveal a deeper problem. —Stephanie A, The Conversation, 19 Dec. 2025

There’s also a potential storyline brewing. —Andy Scholes, CNN Money, 18 Dec. 2025

The storyline will pick up with Emily’s move to Rome. —Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 18 Dec. 2025

There will be many intriguing storylines to follow over the next few weeks. —Jay Harris, New York Times, 17 Dec. 2025

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