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
Ford was at the center of one of the second season's most gripping storylines, as his Dr. Paul Rhoades waged a tragic battle against Parkinson's while falling for his own doctor, Julie (Wendie Malick).
—Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 23 July 2025
Proving to be more timely than ever, a new storyline kicks off this week with Calexit: The Battle of Universal City, written by Pizzolo and drawn by Carlos Granda.
—Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 23 July 2025
Different teams report on different days, but here are some of the top storylines.
—Peter Sblendorio, Mercury News, 22 July 2025
The Eugenio Suárez sweepstakes might be the most exciting storyline to follow at the trade deadline as the Arizona Diamondbacks slugger has gotten hot at the perfect time.
—Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 July 2025
With new blood, including wide receiver Stefon Diggs, in the building to go along with cornerstone pieces like quarterback Drake Maye, the storylines in Foxborough are expected to be abundant this season.
—Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 22 July 2025
Some of the most memorable storylines in the Spider-Man comics surrounded the secret identities of his villains with one lasting for a massive 14 years from 1983.
—Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
Here are the five biggest storylines going into camp.
—Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 July 2025
And where many comics offered sympathetic allegories about prejudice and otherness, the Panther storylines often dispensed with subtext altogether.
—Ekow Eshun
july 11, Literary Hub, 11 July 2025
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 23 July 2025
Proving to be more timely than ever, a new storyline kicks off this week with Calexit: The Battle of Universal City, written by Pizzolo and drawn by Carlos Granda.
—Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 23 July 2025
Different teams report on different days, but here are some of the top storylines.
—Peter Sblendorio, Mercury News, 22 July 2025
The Eugenio Suárez sweepstakes might be the most exciting storyline to follow at the trade deadline as the Arizona Diamondbacks slugger has gotten hot at the perfect time.
—Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 July 2025
With new blood, including wide receiver Stefon Diggs, in the building to go along with cornerstone pieces like quarterback Drake Maye, the storylines in Foxborough are expected to be abundant this season.
—Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 22 July 2025
Some of the most memorable storylines in the Spider-Man comics surrounded the secret identities of his villains with one lasting for a massive 14 years from 1983.
—Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
Here are the five biggest storylines going into camp.
—Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 July 2025
And where many comics offered sympathetic allegories about prejudice and otherness, the Panther storylines often dispensed with subtext altogether.
—Ekow Eshun
july 11, Literary Hub, 11 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Storyline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/storyline. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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