Synonyms

storytelling

American

[stawr-ee-tel-ing, stohr-] / ˈstɔr iˌtɛl ɪŋ, ˈstoʊr- /

noun

the telling or writing of stories or story.

Etymology

Origin of storytelling

First recorded in 1700–10; story ¹ + telling

Explanation

Storytelling is the art of weaving words into captivating tales, bringing characters and events to life in the minds of an audience of listeners or readers. Whether in ancient myths, bedtime stories, historical accounts, popular novels, or modern movies, effective storytelling can capture our attention by creating vivid mental images and emotional connections. Throughout human history, storytelling has provided a means of passing on knowledge, culture, and values. It can help us understand different perspectives, build empathy, and activate our own imaginations. Storytelling is a fundamental part of the human experience.

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The crew themselves have been integral to the storytelling.

From Barron's • Apr. 11, 2026

Affairs Live, a storytelling competition that brought the popular Times romance column to a Hollywood stage on Friday.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

Levinson also said he used the new season to honour actor Angus Cloud, who died at the age of 25 in 2023, and "keep him alive" through storytelling.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

Author Andy Weir incorporates complex mathematical concepts into his storytelling, focusing on the science portion of the genre.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

What did the haint want with storytelling magic?

From "Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky" by Kwame Mbalia

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023