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

Broadcasters benefited from another storyline to sell, Hayes from looking deeply engaged and hyper-visible. —Asli Pelit, New York Times, 10 May 2026

The biggest storyline entering the offseason doesn’t even involve a contract for next season. —Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 9 May 2026

The most interesting part of the storyline is who will come to Danhausen’s aid. —Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 9 May 2026

Reeves continued to engage with fans, reposting art from Tom King’s 2018 three-part Batman comics arc ‘Beast of Burden’, which includes the titular Dark Knight’s sidekick Dick Grayson in a tragic storyline. —Glenn Garner, Deadline, 9 May 2026

Certainly, refs never want to become a major storyline in the game. —Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 9 May 2026

The lengthy feud between Asuka and Sky hit yet another snag when Sane, a key figure in the storyline, was suddenly and shockingly released by WWE after WrestleMania 42. —Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 9 May 2026

Krysta Now even feels predictive of Cassie’s storyline in Euphoria season 3. —Bethy Squires, Vulture, 9 May 2026

The collaboration aims to give music artists more latitude when their work is used in feature films or when storylines are based on them. —Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 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