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
In fact, Tranter assures that Season 3 will continue that same honest and often brutal approach as the storylines open up beyond the world of Pierpoint & Co.
—Katie Campione, Deadline, 9 Aug. 2024
Super Bowl plans, his employment status has risen above all storylines this training camp and offseason, even if Trent Williams’ own contract dispute factors more into a title hunt.
—Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 7 Aug. 2024
Some of the storylines are directly set in motion by what Sauron is doing, but some of them are people shadowboxing their own fears — which is also set in motion by Sauron.
—EW.com, 6 Aug. 2024
The events of Sunday's finale strongly suggested that Nettles has been cut from the show, with aspects of her storyline given to Daemon's daughter Rhaena instead.
—Taijuan Moorman, USA TODAY, 5 Aug. 2024
Despite the pervasive storyline that millennials will never be able to afford to retire, Morningstar reports that 47% of Gen Xers and 52% of baby boomers may experience retirement shortfalls, compared with 37% for Gen Z and 44% for millennials.
—Alicia Adamczyk, Fortune, 5 Aug. 2024
The cult storyline also came to a satisfying conclusion.
—Mandi Bierly, TVLine, 4 Aug. 2024
Jay Maidment—Marvel Studios Feige has been eager to do the Secret Wars storyline from the comics for awhile.
—Eliana Dockterman, TIME, 28 July 2024
For most of the spring, this presidential campaign lacked the high-wattage, earth-shattering storylines that energize the reporters who chronicle them.
—Jeremy Barr, Washington Post, 27 July 2024
Katie Campione, Deadline, 9 Aug. 2024
Super Bowl plans, his employment status has risen above all storylines this training camp and offseason, even if Trent Williams’ own contract dispute factors more into a title hunt.
—Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 7 Aug. 2024
Some of the storylines are directly set in motion by what Sauron is doing, but some of them are people shadowboxing their own fears — which is also set in motion by Sauron.
—EW.com, 6 Aug. 2024
The events of Sunday's finale strongly suggested that Nettles has been cut from the show, with aspects of her storyline given to Daemon's daughter Rhaena instead.
—Taijuan Moorman, USA TODAY, 5 Aug. 2024
Despite the pervasive storyline that millennials will never be able to afford to retire, Morningstar reports that 47% of Gen Xers and 52% of baby boomers may experience retirement shortfalls, compared with 37% for Gen Z and 44% for millennials.
—Alicia Adamczyk, Fortune, 5 Aug. 2024
The cult storyline also came to a satisfying conclusion.
—Mandi Bierly, TVLine, 4 Aug. 2024
Jay Maidment—Marvel Studios Feige has been eager to do the Secret Wars storyline from the comics for awhile.
—Eliana Dockterman, TIME, 28 July 2024
For most of the spring, this presidential campaign lacked the high-wattage, earth-shattering storylines that energize the reporters who chronicle them.
—Jeremy Barr, Washington Post, 27 July 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 19 Aug. 2024.
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