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
With some 15,000 members of the media on hand, there will be plenty of storylines, even if the week turns out to be a breather from the topsy-turvy way that this election season has unfolded.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 18 Aug. 2024
The terrifying storyline — of a 12-year-old girl named Regan (Linda Blair) who becomes possessed by an ancient demon — comes from a book of the same title.
—Julie Tremaine, Peoplemag, 17 Aug. 2024
This dependence is evident in one of the novel’s more tightly wound storylines, involving the undocumented sweatshop workers making clothes for Byre’s business.
—Randy Boyagoda, The Atlantic, 16 Aug. 2024
That’s the tension at the heart of one of the major storylines in Season 4, Part 1 of Emily in Paris, which releases today on Netflix.
—Cady Lang, TIME, 15 Aug. 2024
Monaghan brings a languid sexiness to Bonnie, but her storyline feels isolated from the rest of the narrative.
—Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 14 Aug. 2024
Part live action role-playing game and part work of improvisational theater, Ghost Town Alive! brings with it daily storylines, including multiple editions of a newspaper, and a cadre of wacky characters.
—Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2024
Mimi Leder are watching what storylines pop, what actors pop, and the show makes a new season based on that.
—Rebecca Keegan, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Aug. 2024
Other season two storylines focused on new castmember Michelle Schwartz making harsh comments about Umansky and Richards' daughters’ ability to lead.
—Angel Saunders, Peoplemag, 17 Aug. 2024
Ted Johnson, Deadline, 18 Aug. 2024
The terrifying storyline — of a 12-year-old girl named Regan (Linda Blair) who becomes possessed by an ancient demon — comes from a book of the same title.
—Julie Tremaine, Peoplemag, 17 Aug. 2024
This dependence is evident in one of the novel’s more tightly wound storylines, involving the undocumented sweatshop workers making clothes for Byre’s business.
—Randy Boyagoda, The Atlantic, 16 Aug. 2024
That’s the tension at the heart of one of the major storylines in Season 4, Part 1 of Emily in Paris, which releases today on Netflix.
—Cady Lang, TIME, 15 Aug. 2024
Monaghan brings a languid sexiness to Bonnie, but her storyline feels isolated from the rest of the narrative.
—Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 14 Aug. 2024
Part live action role-playing game and part work of improvisational theater, Ghost Town Alive! brings with it daily storylines, including multiple editions of a newspaper, and a cadre of wacky characters.
—Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2024
Mimi Leder are watching what storylines pop, what actors pop, and the show makes a new season based on that.
—Rebecca Keegan, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Aug. 2024
Other season two storylines focused on new castmember Michelle Schwartz making harsh comments about Umansky and Richards' daughters’ ability to lead.
—Angel Saunders, Peoplemag, 17 Aug. 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 12 Sep. 2024.
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