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
Each matchup would bring fascinating storylines.
—The Athletic Nfl Staff, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2026
Critics adored the camaraderie between the cast as well as the realistic, relatable storylines — and for good reason.
—Will Harris, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Jan. 2026
That hyper-authenticity extends to the storylines, as when a nurse is punched by a patient.
—Jon Lapook, CBS News, 4 Jan. 2026
On the other side, Mahomes’ ACL injury will be a storyline into next season.
—Scott Chasen, Kansas City Star, 4 Jan. 2026
Still, counting her out would be a total mistake, since all this does is give one of the most fun queens in the bunch a clear storyline.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 3 Jan. 2026
One of the unexpected storylines in the first half of the season has been the rise of Parkview Christian (14-1).
—Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 3 Jan. 2026
This storyline played a key role in revealing tensions and controversies around Mary’s character and her dealings within the social circle depicted on the show.
—Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 2 Jan. 2026
Jesse Plemons is revealing his hesitation about a Friday Night Lights storyline in which his character Landry committed murder.
—Denise Petski, Deadline, 31 Dec. 2025
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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The Athletic Nfl Staff, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2026
Critics adored the camaraderie between the cast as well as the realistic, relatable storylines — and for good reason.
—Will Harris, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Jan. 2026
That hyper-authenticity extends to the storylines, as when a nurse is punched by a patient.
—Jon Lapook, CBS News, 4 Jan. 2026
On the other side, Mahomes’ ACL injury will be a storyline into next season.
—Scott Chasen, Kansas City Star, 4 Jan. 2026
Still, counting her out would be a total mistake, since all this does is give one of the most fun queens in the bunch a clear storyline.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 3 Jan. 2026
One of the unexpected storylines in the first half of the season has been the rise of Parkview Christian (14-1).
—Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 3 Jan. 2026
This storyline played a key role in revealing tensions and controversies around Mary’s character and her dealings within the social circle depicted on the show.
—Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 2 Jan. 2026
Jesse Plemons is revealing his hesitation about a Friday Night Lights storyline in which his character Landry committed murder.
—Denise Petski, Deadline, 31 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Storyline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/storyline. Accessed 6 Jan. 2026.
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