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

• 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

If fans are unsure which events to focus on, here is a guide detailing the most exciting storylines heading into the 20th World Athletics Outdoor Track and Field Championships. —Katelyn Hutchison, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025

Top storylines – Valkyries guard Tiffany Hayes has missed the last eight games with a knee injury. —Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 13 Sep. 2025

Advertisement Advertisement Season 3 was the series’ most volatile yet, with every storyline pulled taut to the breaking point. —Jp Mangalindan, Time, 12 Sep. 2025

One of Kurt's most touching storylines revolved around his relationship with his father, the stereotypically football-loving, car-repairing tough guy Burt, played by O'Malley. —Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Sep. 2025

The second season will be a continuation of the storyline and characters from season one, based on an original script from Cutter. —Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 12 Sep. 2025

The two engaged in multiple feuds and friendship storylines, including matches to decide the WWE Divas Championship. —Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025

As the 2025-26 season nears, one of the biggest storylines for the Avalanche centers around what is next with the man advantage. —Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 12 Sep. 2025

The film introduces several new characters and storylines to audiences — including the cast's newest addition, Gus Sambrook, as played by Alessandro Nivola — and shows a day at the races at the iconic Royal Ascot. —Mekishana Pierre September 11, EW.com, 11 Sep. 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