a mark or stroke long in proportion to its breadth, made with a pen, pencil, tool, etc., on a surface: a line down the middle of the page.
Mathematics. a continuous extent of length, straight or curved, without breadth or thickness; the trace of a moving point.
something arranged along a line, especially a straight line; a row or series: a line of trees.
a number of persons standing one behind the other and waiting their turns at or for something; queue.
something resembling a traced line, as a band of color, a seam, or a furrow: lines of stratification in rock.
a furrow or wrinkle on the face, neck, etc.: lines around the eyes.
an indication of demarcation; boundary; limit: the county line; a fine line between right and wrong.
a row of written or printed letters, words, etc.: a page of 30 lines.
a verse of poetry: A line in iambic pentameter contains five feet.
Usually lines.the words of an actor's part in a drama, musical comedy, etc.: to rehearse one's lines.
a short written message: Drop me a line when you're on vacation.
a system of public conveyances, as buses or trains, plying regularly over a fixed route: the northbound line at State Street.
a transportation or conveyance company: a steamship line.
a course of direction; route: the line of march down Main Street.
a course of action, procedure, thought, policy, etc.: That newspaper follows the communist line.
a piece of pertinent or useful information (usually followed by on): I've got a line on a good used car.
a series of generations of persons, animals, or plants descended from a common ancestor: a line of kings.
a department of activity; occupation or business: What line are you in?
Informal. a mode of conversation, especially one that is glib or exaggerated in order to impress or influence another person: He really handed her a line about his rich relatives.
a straight line drawn from an observed object to the fovea of the eye.
lines,
the outer form or proportions of a ship, building, etc.: a ship of fine lines.
a general form, as of an event or something that is made, which may be the basis of comparison, imitation, etc.: two books written along the same lines.
a person's lot or portion: to endure the hard lines of poverty.
Chiefly British.a certificate of marriage.
a circle of the terrestrial or celestial sphere: the equinoctial line.
banner (def. 7).
Fine Arts.
a mark made by a pencil, brush, or the like, that defines the contour of a shape, forms hatching, etc.
the edge of a shape.
Television. one scanning line.
Telecommunications.
a telephone connection: Please hold the line.
a wire circuit connecting two or more pieces of electric apparatus, especially the wire or wires connecting points or stations in a telegraph or telephone system, or the system itself.
the line,Geography. the equator.
a stock of commercial goods of the same general class but having a range of styles, sizes, prices, or quality: the company's line of shoes.
an assembly line.
Law. a limit defining one estate from another; the outline or boundary of a piece of real estate.
Bridge. a line on a score sheet that separates points scored toward game (below the line ) from points scored by setting a contract, having honors, etc. (above the line ).
Music. any of the straight, horizontal, parallel strokes of the staff, or one placed above or below the staff.
Military.
a defensive position or front.
a series of fortifications: the Maginot line.
Usually lines.a distribution of troops, sentries, etc., for the defense of a position or for an attack:behind the enemy's lines.
the body of personnel constituting the combatant forces of an army, as distinguished from the supply services and staff corps.
an arrangement of troops of an army or of ships of a fleet as drawn up for battle: line of battle.
a body or formation of troops or ships drawn up abreast (distinguished from column def. 6).
the class of officers serving with combatant units or warships.
the regular forces of an army or navy.
that part of an administrative organization consisting of persons actively engaged on a given project.Compare staff1 (def. 4).
a thread, string, cord, rope, or the like.
a clothesline: the wash hanging on the line.
a cord, wire, or the like, used for measuring or as a guide.
Nautical.
a pipe or hose: a steam line.
a rope or cable used at sea.
Slang. a small quantity of cocaine arranged in the form of a slender thread or line, as for sniffing.
Also ligne. a unit equal to 1/40 (0.025) inch (0.64 millimeter), for measuring the diameter of buttons.
Angling. a length of nylon, silk, linen, cord, or the like, to which are attached the leader, hook, sinker, float, etc.
Football.
either of the two front rows of opposing players lined up opposite each other on the line of scrimmage: a four-man line.
the line of scrimmage.
the betting odds established by bookmakers for events not covered by pari-mutuel betting, especially sporting events, as football or basketball.
Ice Hockey. the two wings and center who make up a team's offensive unit.
Fencing. any of the four divisions of the portion of a fencer's body on which a touch can be scored, taken as an area of attack or defense.
Textiles. the longer and preferred flax or hemp fibers.Compare tow2 (def. 2).
Fox Hunting. the trail of scent left by a fox.
a unit of length equivalent to 1/12 (0.0833) inch (2.12 millimeters).
Insurance.
a class or type of insurance: casualty line.
the amount of insurance written for a particular risk.
AustralianSlang. a girl or woman.
verb (used without object),lined,lin·ing.
to take a position in a line; range (often followed by up): to line up before the start of a parade.
Baseball.
to hit a line drive.
to line out.
verb (used with object),lined,lin·ing.
to bring into a line, or into line with others (often followed by up): to line up troops.
to mark with a line or lines: to line paper for writing.
to sketch verbally or in writing; outline (often followed by out): We followed the plan he had lined out.
to arrange a line along: to line a coast with colonies.
to form a line along: Rocks lined the drive.
to apply eyeliner to (the eyes).
to delineate with or as if with lines; draw: to line the silhouette of a person's head.
Archaic. to measure or test with a line.
Verb Phrases
line out,
Baseball.to be put out by hitting a line drive caught on the fly by a player of the opposing team.
to execute or perform: He lined out a few songs upon request.
line up,to secure; make available: to line up support; to line up a speaker for the banquet.
VIDEO FOR LINE
WATCH NOW: How Do You Say This Word In Your Part Of The Country?
Have you ever heard a phrase said in a different part of the country, and it's said in just a slightly different way than how you say it back home? Those different phrases are called regionalisms. Do you use any in your state?
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Idioms for line
bring / come / get into line,
to become or cause to become straight, as in a row: The members of the marching band got into line.
to conform or cause to conform or agree: They were persuaded to come into line with the party's policy.
cross the line, to go beyond accepted standards of behavior: His outburst crossed the line between heated argument and offensive vilification.Sometimes cross a boundary .
down the line,
in all ways; thoroughly; fully: It's a fine house right down the line—well-built, roomy, attractive.
in the future.
draw the line, to impose a restriction; limit: They might exaggerate but would draw the line at outright lying.
go up in one's lines, Theater. to forget one's part during a performance.Also British, go up on one's lines.
hold the line, to maintain the status quo, especially in order to forestall unfavorable developments: We're trying to hold the line on prices.
in line,
in alignment; straight.
in conformity or agreement.
in control (of one's conduct): to keep one's temper in line.
prepared; ready.
waiting one behind the other in a queue: There were eight people in line at the teller's window.
in line with, in agreement or conformity with: The action taken was in line with her decision.
in the line of duty, in the execution of the duties belonging to some occupation, especially with regard to the responsibility for life and death: a policeman wounded in the line of duty.Also in line of duty.
lay it on the line, Informal.
to give money; pay.
to give the required information; speak directly or frankly: I'm going to stop being polite and lay it on the line.
off line,
occurring or functioning away from an assembly line, work process, etc.
not in operation; not functioning.
on a line, Baseball. (of a batted or thrown ball) through the air in an approximately straight line from the point of impact or delivery: hit on a line between third and short; thrown in on a line from the center fielder.
on line,
on or part of an assembly line: Production will be improved when the new welding equipment is on line.
in or into operation: The manufacturing facilities will be on line before November.
Computers.actively linked to a computer: The printer is not yet on line.
Chiefly New York City.line1 (def. 73e).
on the line, Informal.
being risked or put in jeopardy; in a vulnerable position: Our prestige and honor are on the line.
immediately; readily: paid cash on the line.
out of line,
not in a straight line.
in disagreement with what is accepted or practiced.
Informal.impertinent; presumptuous: That last remark was out of line.
read between the lines, to understand the unexpressed but implied meaning of something said or written: Her letter sounded cheerful enough, but I read a certain sadness between the lines.
toe the line / mark,
to conform strictly to a rule, command, etc.
to shoulder responsibilities; do one's duty: He tried hard to toe the line on the new job.
Origin of line
1
First recorded before 1000; Middle English li(g)ne “cord, rope, stroke, series, guiding rule,” partly from Old French ligne, ultimately from Latin līnea, noun use of feminine of līneus “flaxen” (originally applied to string), equivalent to līn(um) “flax” + -eus adjective suffix, and partly continuing Old English līne “string, row, series,” from Latin, as above; see line2, -eous
Goldenberg is bullish on just how much growth Fabletics will see from its men’s line so early in its lifecycle.
Fabletics’ Adam Goldenberg and Kevin Hart on what’s next for the activewear empire|Lucas Matney|September 17, 2020|TechCrunch
I think just with that time off, I continued to work on my delivery, and feel like everything’s kind of in line where I want it to be.
Jacob DeGrom Just Keeps Throwing Faster|Travis Sawchik|September 17, 2020|FiveThirtyEight
Mud from the channels built soil up so that it was higher than the water line.
Soggy coastal soils? Here’s why ecologists love them|Alison Pearce Stevens|September 17, 2020|Science News For Students
As is a clear line of accountability if they don’t actually follow through.
Suppressing fires has failed. Here’s what California needs to do instead.|James Temple|September 17, 2020|MIT Technology Review
In fact, in one of my restaurants, an executive chef just did something that was completely out of line.
Tom Colicchio Hopes (and Fears) COVID-19 Will Change the Restaurant Industry|Pallabi Munsi|September 16, 2020|Ozy
Last week I turned 40, a bittersweet occasion because I crossed the line to living longer without my mother than with her.
Everyone at This Dinner Party Has Lost Someone|Samantha Levine|January 6, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Is it any wonder that the interests of large corporations and unions get to the front of the line?
The 100 Rich People Who Run America|Mark McKinnon|January 5, 2015|DAILY BEAST
In the end, the line between magic and religion may be something of an artificial one.
Harry Potter and the Torah of Terror|Candida Moss, Joel Baden|January 4, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Yet all too often the line between Southern and Confederate can get blurred.
Steve Scalise Shows There’s a Fine Line Between Confederate & Southern|Lloyd Green|January 2, 2015|DAILY BEAST
These people put their lives on the line for the rest of us, too.
Memo to Cops: Criticisms Aren’t Attacks|Michael Tomasky|December 28, 2014|DAILY BEAST
This line of exploration appeared preferable to the strong practical mind of Mr. Chambers, who had in view the quid pro quo.
Successful Exploration Through the Interior of Australia|William John Wills
It is profusely illustrated with half-tones and line engravings.
Sources of the Synoptic Gospels|Carl S. Patton
An Army man tackled me on their 25-yard line, after I had taken the ball down the field for nearly a touchdown.
Football Days|William H. Edwards
The line of Messrs. Featherstonhaugh and Mudge is even less in conformity to the terms of the treaty.
A Compilation of the Messages and Papers of the Presidents: Tyler|Compiled by James D. Richardson
When the powers are not used along the line of their strength they become demoralized, weakened, deteriorated.
How to Succeed|Orison Swett Marden
British Dictionary definitions for line (1 of 2)
line1
/ (laɪn) /
noun
a narrow continuous mark, as one made by a pencil, pen, or brush across a surface
such a mark cut into or raised from a surface
a thin indented mark or wrinkle
a straight or curved continuous trace having no breadth that is produced by a moving point
maths
any straight one-dimensional geometrical element whose identity is determined by two points. A line segment lies between any two points on a line
a set of points (x, y) that satisfies the equation y = mx + c, where m is the gradient and c is the intercept with the y -axis
a border or boundarythe county line
sport
a white or coloured band indicating a boundary or division on a field, track, etc
a mark or imaginary mark at which a race begins or ends
American football
See line of scrimmage
the players arranged in a row on either side of the line of scrimmage at the start of each play
a specified point of change or limitthe dividing line between sanity and madness
the edge or contour of a shape, as in sculpture or architecture, or a mark on a painting, drawing, etc, defining or suggesting this
the sum or type of such contours or marks, characteristic of a style or designthe line of a draughtsman; the line of a building
anything long, flexible, and thin, such as a wire or stringa washing line; a fishing line
a telephone connectiona direct line to New York
a conducting wire, cable, or circuit for making connections between pieces of electrical apparatus, such as a cable for electric-power transmission, telecommunications, etc
(as modifier)the line voltage
a system of travel or transportation, esp over agreed routesa shipping line
a company operating such a system
a route between two points on a railway
mainlyBritish
a railway track, including the roadbed, sleepers, etc
one of the rails of such a track
NZa roadway usually in a rural area
a course or direction of movement or advancethe line of flight of a bullet
a course or method of action, behaviour, etctake a new line with him
a policy or prescribed course of action or way of thinking (often in the phrases bringorcome into line)
a field of study, interest, occupation, trade, or professionthis book is in your line
alignment; true (esp in the phrases in line, out of line)
one kind of product or articlea nice line in hats
NZa collection of bales of wool all of the one type
a row of persons or thingsa line of cakes on the conveyor belt
a chronological or ancestral series, esp of peoplea line of prime ministers
a row of words printed or written across a page or column
a unit of verse consisting of the number of feet appropriate to the metre being used and written or printed with the words in a single row
a short letter; notejust a line to say thank you
a piece of useful information or hint about somethinggive me a line on his work
one of a number of narrow horizontal bands forming a television picture
physicsa narrow band in an electromagnetic spectrum, resulting from a transition in an atom, ion, or molecule of a gas or plasma
music
any of the five horizontal marks that make up the staveCompare space (def. 10)
the musical part or melody notated on one such set
a discernible shape formed by sequences of notes or musical soundsa meandering melodic line
(in polyphonic music) a set of staves that are held together with a bracket or brace
a unit of magnetic flux equal to 1 maxwell
a defensive or fortified position, esp one that marks the most forward position in war or a national boundarythe front line
line aheadorline abreasta formation adopted by a naval unit for manoeuvring
a formation adopted by a body or a number of military units when drawn up abreast
the combatant forces of certain armies and navies, excluding supporting arms
fencingone of four divisions of the target on a fencer's body, considered as areas to which specific attacks are made
the scent left by a fox
the equator (esp in the phrase crossing the line)
any circle or arc on the terrestrial or celestial sphere
the amount of insurance written by an underwriter for a particular risk
US and Canadiana line of people, vehicles, etc, waiting for somethingAlso called (in Britain and certain other countries): queue
slanga portion of a powdered drug for snorting
slangsomething said for effect, esp to solicit for money, sex, etche gave me his usual line
above the line
accountingdenoting entries above a horizontal line on a profit and loss account, separating those that establish the profit or loss from those that show how the profit is distributed
denoting revenue transactions rather than capital transactions in a nation's accounts
marketingexpenditure on media advertising through an agency, rather than internally arranged advertising, such as direct mail, free samples, etc
bridgedenoting bonus points, marked above the horizontal line on the score card
below the line
accountingdenoting entries below a horizontal line on a profit and loss account, separating those that establish the profit or loss from those that show how the profit is distributed
denoting capital transactions rather than revenue transactions in a nation's accounts
marketingdenoting expenditure on advertising by other means than the traditional media, such as the provision of free gifts, special displays, direct mailshots, etc
bridgedenoting points scored towards game and rubber, marked below the horizontal line on the score card
all along the line
at every stage in a series
in every detail
do a lineIrish and Australianinformalto associate (with a person of the opposite sex) regularly; go out (with)he is doing a line with her
draw the lineto reasonably object (to) or set a limit (on)her father draws the line at her coming in after midnight
get a line oninformalto obtain information about
hold the line
to keep a telephone line open
footballto prevent the opponents from taking the ball forward
(of soldiers) to keep formation, as when under fire
in line forin the running for; a candidate forhe's in line for a directorship
in line withconforming to
in the line of dutyas a necessary and usually undesired part of the performance of one's responsibilities
lay on the lineorput on the line
to pay money
to speak frankly and directly
to risk (one's career, reputation, etc) on something
shoot a lineinformalto try to create a false image, as by boasting or exaggerating
step out of lineto fail to conform to expected standards, attitudes, etc
toe the lineto conform to expected standards, attitudes, etc
verb
(tr)to mark with a line or lines
(tr)to draw or represent with a line or lines
(tr)to be or put as a border totulips lined the lawns
C13: partly from Old French ligne, ultimately from Latin līnea, n use of līneus flaxen, from līnum flax; partly from Old English līn, ultimately also from Latin līnum flax
British Dictionary definitions for line (2 of 2)
line2
/ (laɪn) /
verb(tr)
to attach an inside covering to (a garment, curtain, etc), as for protection, to hide the seaming, or so that it should hang well
to cover or fit the inside ofto line the walls with books
to fill plentifullya purse lined with money
to reinforce the back of (a book) with fabric, paper, etc
Word Origin for line
C14: ultimately from Latin līnum flax, since linings were often made of linen
A geometric figure formed by a point moving in a fixed direction and in the reverse direction. The intersection of two planes is a line.♦ The part of a line that lies between two points on the line is called a line segment.