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

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

In recent years, however, Sedona’s storyline has taken an unfortunate (though not unwarranted) hit. —Erin Strout, Outside Online, 11 Nov. 2024

The Mets' spending will be a very intriguing storyline to follow now that free agency is open. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024

Nancy accidentally texts a naked picture of herself to the entire station on tonight’s episode of 9-1-1: Lone Star (Fox, 8/7c), a storyline that’s initially played for laughs… until things take a very serious turn. —Andy Swift, TVLine, 4 Nov. 2024

Popular on Variety The simple storyline is embroidered with detail that makes the early segments engaging. —Richard Kuipers, Variety, 4 Nov. 2024

VanVleet’s struggles will be a major storyline to watch going forward. —Rahat Huq, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024

This time around, the bizarre storyline begins when two customers (Davidson and Andrew Dismukes) dare to ask the front counter cashier (Mulaney) to hand over a gallon of milk before boarding their bus back to Boston. —Shania Russell, EW.com, 3 Nov. 2024

Other possible reasons for the cancellation include a shift in focus from the original premise, younger actors aging out of their roles, the other spinoff series in development and the desire to avoid the inevitable storyline of Sheldon's father's affair and death. —Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 1 Nov. 2024

But if half of the drama is on social media, where’s the happy medium of getting the full story, or at least not feeling confused for half of the storylines? —Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1906, in the meaning defined at sense 1