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story

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noun [countable] American English pronunciation: story /ˈstɔri/ 
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singularstory
pluralstories
  1. 1
    an account of something that happened. Stories can be imaginary, traditional, or true

    She’s written several children’s stories.

    Can we have a bedtime story?

    The book is about the discovery of DNA – it’s a marvelous story.

    story about:

    a story about a princess and a frog

    detective/love/adventure story:

    a dark and passionate love story with a happy ending

    read/tell a story:

    She was reading a story to the children.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  storyThesaurus entry for this meaning of story
    1. a.
      an account of events in a newspaper report or news program
      news story:

      And now for a recap of tonight’s main news stories.

      front-page story:

      The murder was a front-page story in every newspaper.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  storyThesaurus entry for this meaning of story
    2. b.
      an account of something, for example someone’s life
      true/life story:

      Evelyn Adams: Her True Story

      story of:

      The movie is the story of their friendship.

      the story behind something:

      The book reveals the story behind this traditional dance.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  storyThesaurus entry for this meaning of story
    3. c.
      a spoken account of something that happened to you

      Have you heard his story about the time he met Paul Newman?

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  storyThesaurus entry for this meaning of story
    4. d.
      the events in a book, movie, etc.

      The special effects were good, but the story was boring.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  storyThesaurus entry for this meaning of story
    Collocations: story
    ▪  concoct, invent, make up, read, recount, relate, swap, tell, write
  2. 2
    an excuse or a reason that is not true

    Do you expect me to believe that ridiculous story?

    He’s concocted an elaborate story about where he was that night.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  storyThesaurus entry for this meaning of story
  3. 3
    something that people are talking about that may not be true

    There are stories going around that they are having an affair.

    I heard a story that he had moved to Australia.

    The President has refused to confirm or deny the story.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  storyThesaurus entry for this meaning of story
  4. 4
    American a level in a building. The British word is storey

    Our apartment is on the fourth story.

    In addition, there’s a three-story cafeteria and restaurant.

    A 15-story building is under construction here.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  storyThesaurus entry for this meaning of story

phrases

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This is the American English definition of story. View British English definition of story.

Change your default dictionary and thesaurus to British English.

 

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