storyline

noun

sto·​ry·​line ˈstȯr-ē-ˌlīn How to pronounce storyline (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The grass stage is set and ready for storylines to unfold. Merlisa Lawrence Corbett, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025 Last season, Jayden Daniels emerged as one of the biggest storylines in football following an impressive rookie campaign with the Washington Commanders. Kevin McCormick, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 June 2025 Following last week's invasion of the Carrie body snatchers storyline, an opening montage of Carrie click-clacking around her Gramercy Park townhouse in various designer heels resets the stage for a return to peak Carrie form. Megan McCluskey, Time, 27 June 2025 One major storyline that is addressed is the friendship status between Porsha and Shamea. Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 27 June 2025 The second and final season roars through the climactic storylines from the comic, as Morpheus abdicates his domain, pursued by the Furies, and a new King of Dreams is selected. K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 27 June 2025 Manning’s development is one of the more intriguing storylines heading into the fall. Zach Sweet, Kansas City Star, 27 June 2025 The heels are the ones cheating and trying to do everything to overthrow the babyfaces’ dreams of being champion or attaining whatever goal the storyline is outlining. Marc Raimondi june 25, Literary Hub, 25 June 2025 Even so, there’s something touching about a storyline that involves an aging guy making one final, desperate grab for that big bank job, that high-stakes bounty, that shiny, emblematic trophy. Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 17 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1906, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of storyline was in 1906

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Storyline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/storyline. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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