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

The jury will look for projects that spotlight these themes—whether through an overarching narrative, a storyline, or even the journey of an individual character. —Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 9 Mar. 2026

Watching friendships play out on screen has always been riveting, as evidenced by the success of the Leslie Bibb/Carrie Coon/Michelle Monaghan storyline on The White Lotus last season. —Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 9 Mar. 2026

Composer Andrew Yarovenko wrote songs that evoke the early 2000s, when the characters were in high school, but also support the film’s multiple storylines. —Anne Gelhaus, Mercury News, 8 Mar. 2026

However, the most notable storyline for many hobbyists will be Beckett’s (BGS) resurgence with a 33 percent increase month-over-month and a 65 percent increase year-over-year, following its controversial acquisition by PSA parent company Collectors in December. —Benjamin Burrows, New York Times, 7 Mar. 2026

As this storyline makes clear, many of the medical staff do not quite understand how to order or handle these tasks without a screen to guide them. —Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026

Some of the biggest storylines heading into the Games involve longtime rivalries and new competitions. —Rachel Treisman, NPR, 6 Mar. 2026

Viewers follow several dinosaurs involved in their own storylines—unfortunately, many of which end in a violent demise. —Alex Shoemaker, Parents, 6 Mar. 2026

Series creator Steven Knight left ample room to build on a gamut of storylines. —Miriam Balanescu, IndieWire, 5 Mar. 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