WordGarden.iostory
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /stˈɔːri/
US
- /ˈstɔri/
Meanings
Noun
a narrative tale, whether fictional or true
a news report or journalistic item
someone's account, explanation, or version of events
More meaningsFewer meanings
a floor or level of a building
a temporary photo or video post shared on a social media platform
Beyond the definition
A story isn't just what happened; it's how we tell it. It can be an exciting adventure, a quiet moment between friends, or even a made-up world full of dragons and magic. We all have stories: the ones that shape who we are and the ones we share to feel close to other people.
Think of it like this: you might report the facts of your day ("I went to work, had lunch, and came home"). But a story about your day would include details, feelings, and maybe even a little drama. Stories can be spoken, written down, acted out, or even sung. From old myths to modern novels, they are a basic part of human life.
A story is an account of connected events, whether true or fictional, presented in a way that engages and entertains. It is more than just a list of facts; it is about crafting those facts into a meaningful sequence with characters, setting, conflict, and resolution.
The word "story" traces back to the Latin historia, entering English through the Old French estoire. Originally, it referred specifically to historical accounts or chronicles. Over time, however, its meaning broadened to encompass all kinds of narratives—personal anecdotes, folklore, news reports, novels, films, and even dreams. A story can be short and sweet like a fable, or sprawling and complex like an epic poem.
In everyday English, we use the word in many ways. We might ask, "What's your story?" to mean "Tell me about your background." Or we might say someone is "telling stories" to imply they are exaggerating or not telling the truth. A news story reports current events, while a ghost story aims to frighten. In American English, "story" also means a level or floor of a building.
Stories are not just for entertainment; they are how we learn about the world, understand different perspectives, and preserve our culture. They help us make sense of our lives and connect with others on a deeper level. Whether it is a grand saga or a simple tale, every story has the power to transport, inspire, and transform.
Examples
- 1
Bedtime
Grandma told us a story before bed.
- 2
Book plot
The book tells the story of a girl who leaves home to become a singer.
- 3
True account
It's a true story, not something the writer invented.
- 4
Conflicting accounts
I asked what happened, but everyone gave me a different story.
- Phrasea different story
a different version of what happened
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Excuse
His story about working late didn't sound very believable.
- Patternstory about + reason/event
an explanation, sometimes an excuse
- 6
News report
I saw a news story about the storm on TV this morning.
- 7
Incomplete picture
That's only part of the story.
- Phrasepart of the story
not the whole situation
- 8
Building floor
Their office is on the fifth story of the building.
- Usagestory
floor of a building, especially in American English
- 9
Short version
Long story short, we sold the car and bought bicycles instead.
- Phraselong story short
skipping the details and giving only the main result
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- storynoun
Forms
- storiespluralnoun