English Reference
noun · verb

story

n. · v.
US /ˈstɔɹi/ UK /stˈɔːɹi/ sto·ry

  1. 01 A1 Beginner

    n.a description of events that are either real or imagined.

    n.a narrative account of real or fictional events, typically intended to entertain or inform.

    Simple

    The grandfather told the children a bedtime story about a brave dragon.

    In context

    The novelist wove a complex story that spanned three generations, masterfully blending historical facts with imaginative fiction.

  2. 02 A2 Elementary American English

    n.one of the levels or floors in a building.

    n.a horizontal level or floor of a building. Often spelled 'storey' in British English.

    Simple

    They live in a small apartment on the third story of the building.

    In context

    The developer proposed a twenty-story skyscraper, but local residents argued that such a tall structure would block the sunlight for nearby houses.

    Pitfall
    The building has ten storys. The building has ten stories.

    The plural of 'story' (a floor) is 'stories', changing the 'y' to 'i' and adding 'es'.

  3. 03 B1 Intermediate Informal Computing

    n.a short video or photo on social media that disappears after 24 hours.

    n.a chronological collection of images or short videos published by a user on a social media platform, typically available for a limited duration.

    Simple

    She posted a story of her lunch on Instagram for her friends to see.

    In context

    The brand used its daily story to provide behind-the-scenes footage of the photo shoot, driving significant engagement among its younger followers.

  4. 04 B1 Intermediate Informal

    n.something that someone says that is not true.

    n.a falsehood or lie, often used when speaking to or about children.

    Simple

    Don't tell stories; I know you were the one who broke the vase.

    In context

    The witness was accused of telling stories on the stand to protect his accomplice from prosecution.

  5. 05 C1 Advanced Technical Computing

    n.a short description of what a user needs from a computer program.

    n.an informal, natural language description of one or more features of a software system, written from the perspective of an end user.

    Simple

    The team discussed the new user story during their morning meeting.

    In context

    The product owner refined the story to ensure the developers understood the specific acceptance criteria for the checkout process.

    user storyrequirement
  6. 06 B2 Upper Intermediate InformalSlang Computing

    v.to upload a photo or video as a story on a social media app.

    v.to publish content to a temporary chronological feed on a social media platform.

    Simple

    I forgot to story the concert while I was there last night.

    In context

    Influencers often story their entire day to maintain a sense of constant connection with their audience.

Usage story ideas · story suggestion · story features

This entry
Level A1 · Beginner
Frequency Very common
Updated