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
Matthew AllenPointless, menial objectives in a game distract from the main storyline and dilute the impact of more fun, engrossing missions.—Teddy Amenabar
Teddy AmenabarThe two story lines, each with its own compelling view of love, coalesce in a dramatic and surprising ending.—Martha Toll
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
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
Tyler SchmidtThe 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
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
Kevin Hickey 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 storyline will reportedly focus more on Jessie (Joan Cusack), according to Allen, who spoke with WIVB in April 2025.
—Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 6 June 2026
The music is a constant, able to rise and fall with the sweeping moods and intense details of the complex storyline.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 4 June 2026
That war will be a storyline at the tournament; there was some debate as to whether the Iranian team would participate at all.
—Jonathan Lemire, The Atlantic, 4 June 2026
So that then took shape in his storyline.
—Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 4 June 2026
The biggest storyline from Georgia's Republican gubernatorial debate may not have been what was said on stage, but who never appeared on it.
—Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 3 June 2026
Because the storyline itself is so compelling, there is no need for additional signifiers to unpack Max’s psyche or to push the narrative forward.
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 3 June 2026
Or perhaps a new storyline will emerge — or even a new villain.
—Molly Keshin, New York Times, 3 June 2026
Up and down both rosters, there are players with personal storylines that make these Finals even more compelling.
—Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 3 June 2026
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Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 6 June 2026
The music is a constant, able to rise and fall with the sweeping moods and intense details of the complex storyline.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 4 June 2026
That war will be a storyline at the tournament; there was some debate as to whether the Iranian team would participate at all.
—Jonathan Lemire, The Atlantic, 4 June 2026
So that then took shape in his storyline.
—Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 4 June 2026
The biggest storyline from Georgia's Republican gubernatorial debate may not have been what was said on stage, but who never appeared on it.
—Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 3 June 2026
Because the storyline itself is so compelling, there is no need for additional signifiers to unpack Max’s psyche or to push the narrative forward.
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 3 June 2026
Or perhaps a new storyline will emerge — or even a new villain.
—Molly Keshin, New York Times, 3 June 2026
Up and down both rosters, there are players with personal storylines that make these Finals even more compelling.
—Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 3 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Storyline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/storyline. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.
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