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
However, one of the ongoing storylines has centered around first-round pick and star offensive tackle Josh Simmons, who has been away from the team for roughly two weeks while attending to personal matters off the field.
—Cole Sullivan, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
This aspect of the storyline was later dropped.
—Jessica Sager, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
So let’s get into season-two storylines without spoiling anything for our readers.
—Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 23 Oct. 2025
Bell, who has been married to actor and podcast host Dax Shepard since 2013, thinks the potential storylines for Season 3 are endless.
—Erin Jensen, USA Today, 23 Oct. 2025
Strangely, the show abandons her storyline just after the midpoint of the season.
—Judy Berman, Time, 23 Oct. 2025
In some respects, adapting this of all the manga’s storylines for the big screen is an odd choice.
—Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 22 Oct. 2025
Taking on aspects of Andre’s — and Chance’s — presence in the gang’s storyline this season wasn’t something Thomas had an awareness of, particularly in scenes that were maybe rewritten for him.
—Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2025
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Cole Sullivan, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
This aspect of the storyline was later dropped.
—Jessica Sager, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
So let’s get into season-two storylines without spoiling anything for our readers.
—Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 23 Oct. 2025
Bell, who has been married to actor and podcast host Dax Shepard since 2013, thinks the potential storylines for Season 3 are endless.
—Erin Jensen, USA Today, 23 Oct. 2025
Strangely, the show abandons her storyline just after the midpoint of the season.
—Judy Berman, Time, 23 Oct. 2025
In some respects, adapting this of all the manga’s storylines for the big screen is an odd choice.
—Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 22 Oct. 2025
Taking on aspects of Andre’s — and Chance’s — presence in the gang’s storyline this season wasn’t something Thomas had an awareness of, particularly in scenes that were maybe rewritten for him.
—Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Storyline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/storyline. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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