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
Paula Jo’s is one of the few storylines that remains fragmented by the end of Season 1, which leaves room for twists and turns if the show is greenlit for a second season.
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 17 Apr. 2025
The original Highlander, in 1986, starred Christopher Lambert and Sean Connery and portrayed the climax of an ancient battle between immortal warriors, unfolding through interwoven past and present-day storylines.
—Justin Kroll, Deadline, 17 Apr. 2025
This season in particular, I was really engulfed in everybody else’s storylines, too.
—Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 17 Apr. 2025
The Luskin survey took the pulse of L.A. County residents on many other issues, but the main storyline of this year was the fires, said Yaroslavsky.
—Noah Goldberg, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2025
For starters, the first big two-part storyline kicking off in June is called Cult of the Wyrm.
—David Jagneaux, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
One of the more prominent storylines is which quarterback — redshirt junior and UCLA transfer Justyn Martin or freshman Malik Washington, a Glen Burnie resident and Spalding graduate — will line up under center first.
—Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 15 Apr. 2025
That’s one of the top storylines given the uncertainty across various levels of the draft.
—Zac Jackson, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Surprisingly, the storyline that seemed furthest removed from prayer and searching sees their most successful application.
—Alison Herman, Variety, 7 Apr. 2025
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 17 Apr. 2025
The original Highlander, in 1986, starred Christopher Lambert and Sean Connery and portrayed the climax of an ancient battle between immortal warriors, unfolding through interwoven past and present-day storylines.
—Justin Kroll, Deadline, 17 Apr. 2025
This season in particular, I was really engulfed in everybody else’s storylines, too.
—Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 17 Apr. 2025
The Luskin survey took the pulse of L.A. County residents on many other issues, but the main storyline of this year was the fires, said Yaroslavsky.
—Noah Goldberg, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2025
For starters, the first big two-part storyline kicking off in June is called Cult of the Wyrm.
—David Jagneaux, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
One of the more prominent storylines is which quarterback — redshirt junior and UCLA transfer Justyn Martin or freshman Malik Washington, a Glen Burnie resident and Spalding graduate — will line up under center first.
—Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 15 Apr. 2025
That’s one of the top storylines given the uncertainty across various levels of the draft.
—Zac Jackson, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Surprisingly, the storyline that seemed furthest removed from prayer and searching sees their most successful application.
—Alison Herman, Variety, 7 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Storyline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/storyline. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
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