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
Matthew AllenPointless, menial objectives in a game distract from the main storyline and dilute the impact of more fun, engrossing missions.—Teddy Amenabar
Teddy AmenabarThe two story lines, each with its own compelling view of love, coalesce in a dramatic and surprising ending.—Martha Toll
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
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
Tyler SchmidtThe 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
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
Kevin Hickey 
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
Any personal runners, personal storylines, for any of the characters?
For sure.
—Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 5 Feb. 2025
Frazier, who spent 2024 with the Royals, previously played for the Pirates from 2016-21.
St. Louis Cardinals
Nolan Arenado’s future has been one of the main storylines in St. Louis.
—Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 4 Feb. 2025
The Royal Rumble is always one of the most exciting events of the year, showcasing iconic moments, setting up potential storylines, and giving two wrestlers a chance at glory at WrestleMania.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 2 Feb. 2025
Additionally, Jade Cargill suffered an on-screen injury and was written off of her storyline as a tag-team champion with Bianca Belair.
—Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, 1 Feb. 2025
The difference is that Survivor is primarily played among the players, with the storylines crafted through editing.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 31 Jan. 2025
Their storylines aren’t just about who likes who, but are really about coming into young adulthood, coming into their own and the reality of what all of that encompasses.
—Emily Longeretta, Variety, 30 Jan. 2025
The book is serving as her first opportunity to truly expand the character of Sabrina beyond the confines of TikTok, to give her a background, friends and family, and a storyline.
—Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 28 Jan. 2025
As is the case with so many other storylines in the Big 12, Frost 2.0 will be fascinating to watch.
—Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 28 Jan. 2025
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 5 Feb. 2025
Frazier, who spent 2024 with the Royals, previously played for the Pirates from 2016-21.
St. Louis Cardinals
Nolan Arenado’s future has been one of the main storylines in St. Louis.
—Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 4 Feb. 2025
The Royal Rumble is always one of the most exciting events of the year, showcasing iconic moments, setting up potential storylines, and giving two wrestlers a chance at glory at WrestleMania.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 2 Feb. 2025
Additionally, Jade Cargill suffered an on-screen injury and was written off of her storyline as a tag-team champion with Bianca Belair.
—Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, 1 Feb. 2025
The difference is that Survivor is primarily played among the players, with the storylines crafted through editing.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 31 Jan. 2025
Their storylines aren’t just about who likes who, but are really about coming into young adulthood, coming into their own and the reality of what all of that encompasses.
—Emily Longeretta, Variety, 30 Jan. 2025
The book is serving as her first opportunity to truly expand the character of Sabrina beyond the confines of TikTok, to give her a background, friends and family, and a storyline.
—Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 28 Jan. 2025
As is the case with so many other storylines in the Big 12, Frost 2.0 will be fascinating to watch.
—Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 28 Jan. 2025
Dictionary Entries Near storyline
Cite this Entry
“Storyline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/storyline. Accessed 10 Feb. 2025.
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