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
In recent years, however, Sedona’s storyline has taken an unfortunate (though not unwarranted) hit.
—Erin Strout, Outside Online, 11 Nov. 2024
The Mets' spending will be a very intriguing storyline to follow now that free agency is open.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Nancy accidentally texts a naked picture of herself to the entire station on tonight’s episode of 9-1-1: Lone Star (Fox, 8/7c), a storyline that’s initially played for laughs… until things take a very serious turn.
—Andy Swift, TVLine, 4 Nov. 2024
Popular on Variety The simple storyline is embroidered with detail that makes the early segments engaging.
—Richard Kuipers, Variety, 4 Nov. 2024
VanVleet’s struggles will be a major storyline to watch going forward.
—Rahat Huq, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024
This time around, the bizarre storyline begins when two customers (Davidson and Andrew Dismukes) dare to ask the front counter cashier (Mulaney) to hand over a gallon of milk before boarding their bus back to Boston.
—Shania Russell, EW.com, 3 Nov. 2024
Other possible reasons for the cancellation include a shift in focus from the original premise, younger actors aging out of their roles, the other spinoff series in development and the desire to avoid the inevitable storyline of Sheldon's father's affair and death.
—Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 1 Nov. 2024
But if half of the drama is on social media, where’s the happy medium of getting the full story, or at least not feeling confused for half of the storylines?
—Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2024
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Erin Strout, Outside Online, 11 Nov. 2024
The Mets' spending will be a very intriguing storyline to follow now that free agency is open.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Nancy accidentally texts a naked picture of herself to the entire station on tonight’s episode of 9-1-1: Lone Star (Fox, 8/7c), a storyline that’s initially played for laughs… until things take a very serious turn.
—Andy Swift, TVLine, 4 Nov. 2024
Popular on Variety The simple storyline is embroidered with detail that makes the early segments engaging.
—Richard Kuipers, Variety, 4 Nov. 2024
VanVleet’s struggles will be a major storyline to watch going forward.
—Rahat Huq, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024
This time around, the bizarre storyline begins when two customers (Davidson and Andrew Dismukes) dare to ask the front counter cashier (Mulaney) to hand over a gallon of milk before boarding their bus back to Boston.
—Shania Russell, EW.com, 3 Nov. 2024
Other possible reasons for the cancellation include a shift in focus from the original premise, younger actors aging out of their roles, the other spinoff series in development and the desire to avoid the inevitable storyline of Sheldon's father's affair and death.
—Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 1 Nov. 2024
But if half of the drama is on social media, where’s the happy medium of getting the full story, or at least not feeling confused for half of the storylines?
—Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2024
Dictionary Entries Near storyline
Cite this Entry
“Storyline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/storyline. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
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