variants
or less commonly log line
or log-line
plural loglines also log lines or log-lines
: a simple synopsis of a screenplay, film, novel, etc. that is used for pitching (see pitch entry 3 sense 3c) or promotion
You're not telling a story in a logline. You're presenting the core concept of your script. You don't need to delve into twists, character arcs, and plot. You're simply conveying the core idea—the initial seed from that which the plot, characters, twists, turns, and ensuing conflict grows.—
Ken Miyamoto
Ken MiyamotoThe new series "tells the story of one year within the walls of the palace of a modern European regime as it begins to unravel," according to its official logline.—Charna Flam
Charna FlamThere are many formats you can use to write a good logline. (The one I currently use is: "When _____ happens to [your hero], he must do _____ in order to solve his problem.)"—Linda Venis
Linda Venis[Brad] Pitt himself gave [screenwriter Steve] Conrad producing notes to help push the narrative beyond the surface gimmick. … But in spite of its bankable star and juicy log line, the film never went into production.—Yohana Desta
Yohana DestaExamples of logline in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
It’s believed that these companies then signed a two-page contract, which highlights that the successful company won’t secure any back-end rights to the property, before being asked to submit a logline.
—Peter White, Deadline, 22 July 2025
While the movie's official logline has yet to be revealed, The Love Hypothesis novel centers on Olive Smith, a biology PhD candidate, and Dr. Adam Carlsen, a hotshot professor.
—Jordana Comiter, People.com, 18 July 2025
The logline is being kept under the visor, but the pitch is said to take inspiration more from the comics than the previous screen iterations, leaning into the world-building and dark humor.
—Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 17 July 2025
The Walking Dead alum, 40, will play Wahlberg's partner in the spinoff, a detective and the eldest daughter of a prominent law enforcement family, per the official logline.
—Julia Moore, People.com, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for logline
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.
Peter White, Deadline, 22 July 2025
While the movie's official logline has yet to be revealed, The Love Hypothesis novel centers on Olive Smith, a biology PhD candidate, and Dr. Adam Carlsen, a hotshot professor.
—Jordana Comiter, People.com, 18 July 2025
The logline is being kept under the visor, but the pitch is said to take inspiration more from the comics than the previous screen iterations, leaning into the world-building and dark humor.
—Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 17 July 2025
The Walking Dead alum, 40, will play Wahlberg's partner in the spinoff, a detective and the eldest daughter of a prominent law enforcement family, per the official logline.
—Julia Moore, People.com, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for logline
Cite this Entry
“Logline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/logline. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share