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

Pixar fielded an original hit with an ecological storyline that pitted nature lovers and woodland animals against predatory highway developers. —Stephen Schaefer, Boston Herald, 2 May 2026

The below-the-surface skepticism, which continues even as concerns over contracting the virus have faded, has emerged as an unusual storyline in the race for governor. —ABC News, 2 May 2026

The three-man battle among Hunt, Thomas and Bamgboye will one of the key storylines for TCU to sort through this offseason. —Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 May 2026

Here are some early observations and potential storylines from what could be the best second-round series of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. —Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 2 May 2026

From prep race success to trainer Bob Baffert’s resume, Steve Kornacki previews the biggest storylines and best bets. —Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 1 May 2026

The movie has myriad storylines, but fires up in a metropolis future where actresses are gathering at a posh hotel where they’re set to make a Barberella-like movie. —Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 1 May 2026

Houston has already had every single storyline thrown its way, from Kevin Durant’s injury to a Game 3 meltdown and head coach Ime Udoka identifying how soft and scared his players were. —Law Murray, New York Times, 1 May 2026

Their exits are due to creative decisions based on a storyline, but the door is open for their characters returning in the future, USA TODAY understands. —Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 1 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