storyline

noun

sto·​ryline 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

• action
• plot
• story

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

Unfortunately, Maximus' character arc and storyline is by far the weakest aspect of the series. —Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 10 Apr. 2024

Aside from that storyline, DD in each episode basically solves a case that involves the announced ensemble cast. —Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 10 Apr. 2024

Among the major storylines in Kelce, the former Philadelphia Eagles star opened up about grappling with retirement and the subsequent emotions of hanging up his cleats. —Natasha Dye, Peoplemag, 9 Apr. 2024

The ride now has more than 250 storyline variations, and when adding to the attraction, Imagineers are looking for ways to heighten the contrast among its various scenes, both tonally and in its maneuvers. —Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2024

Dialogue in both storylines eddies with 1980s references, including to Live Aid, Baby Jessica (rescued from a well), Health and Human Services secretary Margaret M. Heckler, the 1986 U.S. airstrikes against Libya and the 1985 surgery on Ronald Reagan’s colon. —Celia Wren, Washington Post, 9 Apr. 2024

The 9-1-1 mastermind shares how this storyline came to be and what's next for his first responder drama. —Patrick Gomez, EW.com, 5 Apr. 2024

The tour storyline on Enthusiasm is a play on what happened to Springsteen’s 2023 tour. —Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 1 Apr. 2024

Diffie’s sturdy twang and Combs’s muscular, gruff vocal further extend the storyline, heightening this timeless ’90s country classic. —Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 1 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1906, in the meaning defined at sense 1