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Definition story in British English

story noun

[countable] noun
/ˈstɔːri/

▪ concoct, invent, make up, read, recount, relate, swap, tell, write

1

an account of something that happened. Stories can be imaginary, traditional, or true

Example

She's written several children's stories.

Example

The book is about the discovery of DNA - it's a marvellous story.

Example

a story about a beautiful princess and a frog

Example

She was reading a story to the children.

Example

a passionate love story with a happy ending

Synonyms and related words
Example

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

Example

The murder was a front-page story in the local newspaper.

Synonyms and related words
1.2

an account of something, for example someone's life

Example

The film is the story of their friendship.

Example

The book reveals the story behind this traditional dance.

Synonyms and related words
1.3

a spoken account of something that happened to you

Example

Have you heard his story about the time he met the Queen?

Synonyms and related words
1.4

the events in a book, film etc

Example

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

Synonyms and related words
2

an excuse or a reason that is not true

Example

Do you expect me to believe that ridiculous story?

Example

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

Synonyms and related words
3

something that people are talking about that may not be true

Example

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

Example

I heard a story that he had moved to Australia.

Example

The President has refused to confirm or deny the story.

Synonyms and related words
5

to know something that is interesting, mysterious or secret

Example

Istanbul is a city so deeply rooted in antiquity that nearly every structure has a story to tell.

Definition story in British English