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
But Sullivan’s feelings of anger and betrayal also extend to producers’ decision to frame the storyline as her cheating on her boyfriend.
—Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 16 Feb. 2026
Because the light of the sun remains visible as a ring, many astrologers interpret this kind of eclipse in terms of continuity—a storyline that gets edited rather than closed.
—Christina Pérez, Vogue, 16 Feb. 2026
The storylines are nearly endless for the Dodgers as the team kicked off spring training Friday in the franchise’s pursuit of a third consecutive World Series championship.
—Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2026
While the 3-point contest delivers the fun storyline of Damian Lillard pulling a Voshon Lenard and participating despite sitting out the season with injury, the contest is filled with first-time entrants.
—Scott Phillips, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2026
Like many of the show’s themes, this storyline mirrors real-life debates happening in hospitals across the country.
—Andrew R. Chow, Time, 13 Feb. 2026
Welcome to the premiere of ON THE LOT, a weekly newsletter about the biggest storylines in Hollywood, from red carpets to writers’ rooms.
—Rebecca Keegan, NBC news, 13 Feb. 2026
This has always been a slightly overblown construct — Donovan had been hitting a wall in the playoffs and the Thunder were growing restless for new coaching options — but storylines are hard to shake in the NBA.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
For Mustafa, this storyline hit close to home.
—Demetrius Patterson, HollywoodReporter, 11 Feb. 2026
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 16 Feb. 2026
Because the light of the sun remains visible as a ring, many astrologers interpret this kind of eclipse in terms of continuity—a storyline that gets edited rather than closed.
—Christina Pérez, Vogue, 16 Feb. 2026
The storylines are nearly endless for the Dodgers as the team kicked off spring training Friday in the franchise’s pursuit of a third consecutive World Series championship.
—Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2026
While the 3-point contest delivers the fun storyline of Damian Lillard pulling a Voshon Lenard and participating despite sitting out the season with injury, the contest is filled with first-time entrants.
—Scott Phillips, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2026
Like many of the show’s themes, this storyline mirrors real-life debates happening in hospitals across the country.
—Andrew R. Chow, Time, 13 Feb. 2026
Welcome to the premiere of ON THE LOT, a weekly newsletter about the biggest storylines in Hollywood, from red carpets to writers’ rooms.
—Rebecca Keegan, NBC news, 13 Feb. 2026
This has always been a slightly overblown construct — Donovan had been hitting a wall in the playoffs and the Thunder were growing restless for new coaching options — but storylines are hard to shake in the NBA.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
For Mustafa, this storyline hit close to home.
—Demetrius Patterson, HollywoodReporter, 11 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Storyline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/storyline. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.
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