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

This storyline describes the meteoric journey of AI chipmaker Nvidia. —Alena Botros, Fortune, 21 June 2024

Kinds of Kindness features three anthological stories in which the actors portray different characters in storylines that take place in and around New Orleans. —Tommy McArdle, Peoplemag, 21 June 2024

David Lipper, the actor who played Viper, romantic interest to D.J. (Candace Cameron Bure), revealed on the latest episode of the Full House Rewind podcast that he was slated to have a bigger part in D.J.'s storyline, had the sitcom gone not been canceled after eight seasons. —EW.com, 21 June 2024

At least that 2023 film maintained a cohesive storyline and delivered a plausible conclusion, despite its predictability. —Justin Lowe, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 June 2024

And there will only be more questions coming as this storyline progresses, according to McCord herself. —Andy Swift, TVLine, 19 June 2024

And those storylines — thank goodness — are happening, whether fans are on board or not. —Aja Romano, Vox, 18 June 2024

Bradway has a juicy storyline to pick up when Season 13 returns. —Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 14 June 2024

In a key storyline, two friends, Sad Girl (Angel Aviles) and Mousie (Seidy Lopez), become pregnant by the same boy. —Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1906, in the meaning defined at sense 1