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
While the season has yet to tip off, there have been plenty of storylines to follow, one of which includes Memphis Grizzlies star guard Ja Morant.
—Ricardo Klein, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025
Each week during the regular season and occasionally during the offseason, our AFC North writers tackle the pressing questions and biggest storylines around the division.
—The Athletic Nfl Staff, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
The religious element is not confined to Islam, with the storyline weaving in Christian beliefs and at points, moments of mysticism.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 10 Oct. 2025
One dangling Peacemaker storyline that likely won't be seen again for a while is the return of Keith (David Denman).
—Sydney Bucksbaum, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Oct. 2025
After a nearly three-year break between the show’s first two outings (plus an unpopular mid-season break in the sophomore season), Season 3 was a return to form for the show and thrilled fans with its ultra-violent superhero action and compelling comic book storylines.
—Jordan Moreau, Variety, 10 Oct. 2025
Johnson’s familiarity is key to bringing audiences close to Kerr and helps the film overcome its potentially alienating storyline.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 9 Oct. 2025
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Ricardo Klein, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025
Each week during the regular season and occasionally during the offseason, our AFC North writers tackle the pressing questions and biggest storylines around the division.
—The Athletic Nfl Staff, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
The religious element is not confined to Islam, with the storyline weaving in Christian beliefs and at points, moments of mysticism.
—Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 10 Oct. 2025
One dangling Peacemaker storyline that likely won't be seen again for a while is the return of Keith (David Denman).
—Sydney Bucksbaum, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Oct. 2025
After a nearly three-year break between the show’s first two outings (plus an unpopular mid-season break in the sophomore season), Season 3 was a return to form for the show and thrilled fans with its ultra-violent superhero action and compelling comic book storylines.
—Jordan Moreau, Variety, 10 Oct. 2025
Johnson’s familiarity is key to bringing audiences close to Kerr and helps the film overcome its potentially alienating storyline.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 9 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Storyline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/storyline. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.
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