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 somehow, without the brass, this actually turned into the night’s most effective all-out rocker, extended into a jam that left the mod setting of the storyline for something that felt a bit closer to the psychedelic era by the end.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 20 Sep. 2025
The drinks similarly play into the storyline.
—Kansas City Star, 20 Sep. 2025
That storyline will be talked about all year long.
—Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Sep. 2025
Following this storyline, most accounts of Korea just after World War II look at these years for the origins of the Korean War.
—Kornel Chang
september 19, Literary Hub, 19 Sep. 2025
In the ride’s storyline, recruits are enlisted to join a battle between the villainous First Order and the heroic Resistance.
—Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 19 Sep. 2025
His storyline becomes a quest for truth within a shelter built on fantasies and populated by liars.
—Judy Berman, Time, 19 Sep. 2025
Chunk brings a compelling storyline to this year's competition.
—Bill Chappell, NPR, 19 Sep. 2025
All of them tell the action-fantasy story of an immortal Scottish swordsman's battles, taking place across storylines in the past and the present.
—Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Sep. 2025
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Chris Willman, Variety, 20 Sep. 2025
The drinks similarly play into the storyline.
—Kansas City Star, 20 Sep. 2025
That storyline will be talked about all year long.
—Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Sep. 2025
Following this storyline, most accounts of Korea just after World War II look at these years for the origins of the Korean War.
—Kornel Chang
september 19, Literary Hub, 19 Sep. 2025
In the ride’s storyline, recruits are enlisted to join a battle between the villainous First Order and the heroic Resistance.
—Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 19 Sep. 2025
His storyline becomes a quest for truth within a shelter built on fantasies and populated by liars.
—Judy Berman, Time, 19 Sep. 2025
Chunk brings a compelling storyline to this year's competition.
—Bill Chappell, NPR, 19 Sep. 2025
All of them tell the action-fantasy story of an immortal Scottish swordsman's battles, taking place across storylines in the past and the present.
—Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Storyline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/storyline. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.
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