plotline

noun

plot·​line ˈplät-ˌlīn How to pronounce plotline (audio)
: a connected series of occurrences that form the plot or part of the plot in a story or drama

Examples of plotline in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Behold the plight of the Ryan Murphy character, cursed to behave nonsensically and flit wildly from plotline to plotline based on the writer’s whims. — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2026 One notable flag about Mermaids is that Ryder’s teenage character begins a romantic relationship with a man in his twenties; however, this plotline could lead to dialogue between parents and teens about age-appropriate relationships. — Kara Nesvig, Parents, 29 Aug. 2026 While each episode is designed to be quick to consume on a mobile phone, together the clips weave together plotlines that can stretch the length of a feature film. — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026 Even if at least one plotline continues to drag, mostly this was one of the best episodes since Season 1. — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for plotline

Word History

First Known Use

1952, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of plotline was in 1952

Rhymes for plotline

See All Rhymes for plotline

Browse Nearby Words

plotlessness
plotline
plotosid
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Plotline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plotline. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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