plot line

American  

noun

1. Usually plot lines. dialogue that advances the plot, as in a play or motion-picture script.

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Usage

What is a plot line? The plot line of a story is the direction that the plot takes or the plot itself—what the story is about, including the action and events that the story tells about. It is often spelled as one word, as plotline. A close synonym is story line. This sense of the word can also be used in the context of a real-life event to refer to one part of what’s happening, as in There’s a new plot line in the corporate scandal. Less commonly, the term plot line refers to a line of dialogue that advances a story’s plot in some way, such as by providing information about what has happened elsewhere. This sense of the word is often used in the plural form plot lines. Example: I thought the novel had a few unnecessary plot lines that didn’t go anywhere.

Etymology

Origin of plot line

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

For years, it was an open secret: Brokers scooped up tee times at public golf courses across Los Angeles and sold prime slots online, profiting from taxpayer-owned recreation.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 19, 2025

Tesco said those in the "shielded" category should be able to see slots online that were reserved only for them.

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2020

A rotating crew of people, who apply for open slots online by submitting videos, join the core group on board.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 7, 2016