storyline
noun
sto·ryline
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
Modern Chinese dramas are increasingly taking on K-drama-like storylines and themes, appealing to wider audiences through platforms like Netflix and Viu, relative to traditional Chinese costume fantasy dramas, which remain popular in Thailand and Taiwan.
—Patrick Frater, Variety, 15 May 2024
While the ride is considered a beloved classic, its history and storyline are steeped in extremely problematic and stereotypical racist tropes from the 1946 film Song of the South.
—Natalia Senanayake, Peoplemag, 13 May 2024
To get answers, Entertainment Weekly spoke with Kelley and Minear about Shannon, Kim, and what fans can expect as this new storyline plays out.
—Patrick Gomez, EW.com, 10 May 2024
Other possible reasons for the cancellation include a shift in focus from the original premise, younger actors aging out of their roles, another spinoff series in development and the desire to avoid the inevitable storyline of Sheldon's father having an affair and dying.
—Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 9 May 2024
The caregiving advocacy organization Caring Across Generations partnered with the USC Norman Lear Center’s Media Impact Project for a deep dive into how the storyline on just one show impacted audience attitudes toward the role of care in their own personal lives.
—Rebecca Sun, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 May 2024
There are simply too many other storylines to focus on!
—Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 7 May 2024
Obviously, the love story between Sullivan and Ross is the main storyline between them.
—Max Gao, Variety, 3 May 2024
The nine films are not being screened in order of release date, but rather by the chronology of the storyline.
—Jim Harrington, The Mercury News, 2 May 2024
Patrick Frater, Variety, 15 May 2024
While the ride is considered a beloved classic, its history and storyline are steeped in extremely problematic and stereotypical racist tropes from the 1946 film Song of the South.
—Natalia Senanayake, Peoplemag, 13 May 2024
To get answers, Entertainment Weekly spoke with Kelley and Minear about Shannon, Kim, and what fans can expect as this new storyline plays out.
—Patrick Gomez, EW.com, 10 May 2024
Other possible reasons for the cancellation include a shift in focus from the original premise, younger actors aging out of their roles, another spinoff series in development and the desire to avoid the inevitable storyline of Sheldon's father having an affair and dying.
—Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 9 May 2024
The caregiving advocacy organization Caring Across Generations partnered with the USC Norman Lear Center’s Media Impact Project for a deep dive into how the storyline on just one show impacted audience attitudes toward the role of care in their own personal lives.
—Rebecca Sun, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 May 2024
There are simply too many other storylines to focus on!
—Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 7 May 2024
Obviously, the love story between Sullivan and Ross is the main storyline between them.
—Max Gao, Variety, 3 May 2024
The nine films are not being screened in order of release date, but rather by the chronology of the storyline.
—Jim Harrington, The Mercury News, 2 May 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'storyline.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near storyline
Cite this Entry
“Storyline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/storyline. Accessed 20 May. 2024.
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