storytelling
Americannoun
Etymology
Origin of storytelling
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.
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.
It’s such a key piece to the storytelling here.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 4, 2026
She is the co-founder of the independent food magazine Gather Journal, which was the winner of a James Beard Award for food storytelling.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026
What other forms of storytelling are you open to?
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 1, 2026
Jukebox musicals are notorious for shoe-horning in beloved songs without regard for storytelling integrity.
From Los Angeles Times • May 30, 2026
Together, we made our way to the stream, then down the mountain, so we wouldn’t be late for dinner and Uncle Turu’s storytelling.
From "The Ugly One" by Leanne Statland Ellis
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
