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.
To better understand the boom-bust-boom trajectory of Vancouver’s Chinatown, start at the Chinatown Storytelling Centre, a multimedia gallery opened in November 2021.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 27, 2025
"Storytelling, narrative, characters? Something that connects to humanity? That's a whole 'nother thing," says the Texan whose notable films include "Boyhood," the "Before" trilogy, "School of Rock" and "Hit Man."
From Barron's • Oct. 31, 2025
"Storytelling is so important to us and that is really rooted in country music," singer Lauren Byrne tells Newsbeat about why the trio felt drawn to the genre.
From BBC • Apr. 19, 2025
In January, the New York Times reported that the Post had internally debuted a new motto, one that was much less strident than its public-facing slogan: “Riveting Storytelling for All of America.”
From Slate • Mar. 1, 2025
“A lot has happened under that awning. Storytelling, marriage proposals, intertribal negotiations.”
From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith
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.
