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

Lou's movies are known for their intricate storylines and complex figures, but An Unfinished Film is surprisingly simple, containing little plot or character development. —Yangyang Cheng, NPR, 4 Oct. 2025

As the telepathic waitress Sookie, Anna Paquin was at the center of True Blood's supernatural storylines. —Matt Cabral, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Oct. 2025

Team Europe retained the Ryder Cup after a weekend at Bethpage Black, but one of the main storylines from this year’s rivalry was how Team USA fans were treating the golfers on Long Island. —Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 2025

One major storyline that came from the game was first-year Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer’s controversial decision to bench former All-Pro cornerback Trevon Diggs. —Cole Sullivan, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025

Davis says the storyline will resonate with fans. —Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 2 Oct. 2025

Let’s break down the biggest stakes and storylines to watch for this week, plus which games are must-sees. —J.j. Bailey, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025

Aguirre-Sacasa was also behind Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (2018–2020), whose titular witch crossed over to Riverdale to complete her storyline following the Netflix show’s cancellation. —Andy Swift, TVLine, 1 Oct. 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