logline: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Professional, Journalistic, Specialised
Quick answer
What does “logline” mean?
A one or two-sentence summary of a film, TV show, or other narrative work, designed to convey its core concept and hook.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A one or two-sentence summary of a film, TV show, or other narrative work, designed to convey its core concept and hook.
In modern usage, the term can be extended to the concise, compelling summary of any creative project (e.g., a book, play, video game) or even a complex business proposal, used for pitching and quick identification.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or spelling. The term is used identically in both film and television industries.
Connotations
Carries strong connotations of the entertainment industry, creativity, and salesmanship in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally frequent in professional screenwriting and media circles in both the UK and US. Rare in general everyday conversation.
Grammar
How to Use “logline” in a Sentence
The logline for [Film Title] is...She pitched a logline about...A logline typically consists of...Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used when summarizing a startup idea or a new project in a single, captivating sentence for investors.
Academic
Rare. Might appear in film studies or media courses when analysing narrative structures.
Everyday
Virtually never used unless discussing film/TV writing professionally.
Technical
Core jargon in screenwriting, film production, and literary agency circles.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “logline”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “logline”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “logline”
- Confusing it with a 'tagline' (a marketing slogan like 'In space no one can hear you scream').
- Making it too long or detailed, losing its concise, punchy nature.
- Forgetting to include the protagonist's central conflict.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A logline is one or two sentences; a synopsis is a longer summary (one page or more) that outlines the main plot points, twists, and the ending.
While originating in film/TV, it's now commonly used for novels, plays, and even video games—any narrative project that needs a quick, compelling summary.
Typically: a compelling protagonist, their central goal, the major conflict or antagonist, and a sense of uniqueness or stakes.
It's generally advised to avoid questions. A strong logline makes a provocative statement that implies the story, rather than asks about it.
A one or two-sentence summary of a film, TV show, or other narrative work, designed to convey its core concept and hook.
Logline is usually professional, journalistic, specialised in register.
Logline: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlɒɡ.laɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlɔːɡ.laɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It sells the sizzle, not the steak. (Conceptually related to a logline's purpose)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a ship's LOG book; a LOGLINE is the one crucial entry that tells you the entire voyage's exciting premise.
Conceptual Metaphor
A LOGLINE IS A HOOK (it catches interest); A LOGLINE IS A SEED (it contains the entire story's potential).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of a logline?