line
68 ENTRIES FOUND:
- line (noun)
- line (verb)
- line (verb)
- lined (adjective)
- line–item veto (noun)
- line dance (noun)
- line drawing (noun)
- line drive (noun)
- line of credit (noun)
- line of scrimmage (noun)
- A–line (adjective)
- assembly line (noun)
- battle line (noun)
- bottom line (noun)
- chat line (noun)
- color line (noun)
- credit line (noun)
- date line (noun)
- dividing line (noun)
- finishing line (noun)
- finish line (noun)
- firing line (noun)
- first–line (adjective)
- foul line (noun)
- front line (noun)
- goal line (noun)
- hard line (noun)
- hot line (noun)
- in–line skate (noun)
- international date line (noun)
- laugh lines (noun)
- main line (noun)
- off–line (adjective)
- old–line (adjective)
- panty line (noun)
- party line (noun)
- picket line (noun)
- plumb line (noun)
- poverty line (noun)
- production line (noun)
- punch line (noun)
- receiving line (noun)
- snow line (noun)
- starting line (noun)
- story line (noun)
- supply line (noun)
- three–point line (noun)
- top–of–the–line (adjective)
- tree line (noun)
- tree–lined (adjective)
- yard line (noun)
- Mason–Dixon Line (proper noun)
- cross (verb)
- draw (verb)
- end (noun)
- fall (verb)
- feed (verb)
- follow (verb)
- hold (verb)
- hook (noun)
- lay (verb)
- least (adjective)
- pocket (noun)
- read (verb)
- resistance (noun)
- sinker (noun)
- step (verb)
- toe (verb)
plural
lines
plural
lines
Britannica Dictionary definition of LINE
1
[count]
a
:
a long narrow mark on a surface
-
I drew a straight line down the page to separate the two lists.
-
a curved line
-
Cut the paper along the dotted line.
-
a horizontal/vertical/diagonal line
b
:
a mark on the ground that shows the edge of the playing area in a sport
—
see also finish line, foul line, goal line, starting line
-
a tennis serve that was over the line
2
[count]
:
an area or border that separates two places
— often used figuratively
—
see also borderline, dividing line, international date line, poverty line
-
property lines
-
After three hours on the road, they finally crossed the state line.
-
the town line
-
They have overstepped the line of good taste. [=they have shown poor taste in their actions]
-
The community is divided along racial lines. [=people of different races do not like or agree with each other]
-
Their behavior has crossed the line. [=their behavior goes beyond what is acceptable]
-
There's sometimes only a very fine line [=a very small difference] between genius and madness.
3
[count]
a
:
a group of people or things that are next to each other in a row
-
The soldiers formed a line. = The soldiers got into a line.
-
Their yards were separated by a line of trees.
b
US
:
a group of people, vehicles, etc., that are in front of and behind each other in a row while they wait to move forward
-
The line [=(chiefly Brit) queue] of fans moved slowly toward the box office.
-
Everybody had to get in line and wait their turn.
-
The people were waiting/standing in line.
◊ In most areas of the U.S., it is usual to say that people are (waiting/standing) in line for something.
-
We waited in line for more than an hour to get tickets.
◊ In some areas, especially in and near New York City, on line is used instead.
-
We waited on line for more than an hour.
4
[count]
:
the outline of a figure, body, or surface
— often plural
-
the car's sleek lines
-
the lines of a coat
-
a dress with figure-hugging lines
5
[count]
:
a long and thin rope, string, etc.
-
a fishing line
-
We hung the wet clothes on the line. [=clothesline]
6
[count]
a
:
a pipe for carrying something (such as steam, water, or oil)
—
see also pipeline
-
There was a break in the water line.
b
:
a wire or set of wires that carries electricity or a telephone signal
-
During the storm, several power lines were knocked down.
-
a telephone line
7
[count]
:
a telephone connection
-
I'm sorry, the line is busy/engaged.
-
The line suddenly went dead.
-
All of our lines are currently busy. Please hold.
-
There's a call for you on line 2.
-
Please hold the line. [=please do not hang up the phone]
-
Mr. Smith is on the line. [=Mr. Smith has called and is waiting to speak with you on the telephone]
-
The supervisor got on the line [=got on the phone] and explained the problem.
-
I wasn't able to get him on the line.
8
a
[count]
:
a row of words, letters, numbers, or symbols written across a page
-
To save space, we'll cut out the last few lines of the article.
-
a line of poetry
-
making adjustments to line spacing [=to the amount of space between lines]
also
:
a space on a page where such a line could be placed
b
lines
[plural]
:
the words that an actor speaks in a play, movie, etc.
-
All of the actors should have their lines memorized by next Friday.
-
She fluffed some of her lines but delivered others well.
c
[count]
:
a short note or message
-
Drop me a line [=send me a brief message] while you're away.
d
[count]
:
a spoken or written comment
-
He always comes up with a funny/clever line to help people relax when the situation is tense.
-
He didn't really answer my question—he just handed/gave me some line about how hard it can be to deal with these issues.
-
a salesman with a smooth line [=a smooth way of talking]
-
(US) a guy with a clever pickup line = (Brit) a guy with a clever chat-up line [=a comment made by a man to start a conversation with a woman he is attracted to]
9
[count]
:
a wrinkle on a person's skin
-
the deep lines on his face
-
I noticed the fine lines around her eyes when she smiled.
-
a worry line [=a wrinkle on a person's face caused by worrying]
10
[count]
:
the path along which something moves or is directed
-
a bullet's line of flight
-
Some civilians got caught in the line of fire. [=they were in the place where bullets were being shot]
-
She was standing right in my line of sight/vision. [=she was standing right where I was looking]
11
[count]
:
a railroad track
-
The train was stopped because a tree had fallen across the line.
12
13
a
[singular]
:
a series of similar things
-
This is just the latest in a long line of problems.
b
[count]
:
the people in a family
:
the series of people who are born in a family as years pass
-
She comes from a long line of farmers. [=there have been many farmers in her family in the past]
-
He claims that he is descended from a royal line.
14
[count]
a
:
a way of behaving, thinking, etc.
—
see also hard line
-
He took a firm line with his son. [=he treated his son in a firm way]
-
I don't follow your line of reasoning. [=I don't understand the reasoning behind what you are saying]
-
The police are pursuing a new line of inquiry/investigation.
-
Our current method isn't working. We need to try a different line of attack.
b
:
an official or public position or opinion
-
He is a politician who has always adhered closely to the party line on just about everything. [=who has always supported the position taken by his political party]
15
[count]
:
an area of activity or interest
-
She got a job in the retail line.
-
That kind of thing isn't really in my line. [=that kind of thing doesn't really interest me]
-
He's in a dangerous line of work. [=he has a dangerous job]
-
I don't know what line of business she's in.
-
a soldier/policeman/fireman who was killed in the line of duty [=was killed while doing his job]
16
[count]
:
the position of military forces who are facing the enemy
—
see also front line
-
The enemy soldiers broke through the line.
-
a secret mission behind enemy lines [=a secret mission in an area controlled by the enemy]
17
[count]
:
a group of related products that are sold by one company
-
a line of clothing = a clothing line
-
The company is coming out with a new product line.
18
[count]
a
:
a system used for moving people or things from one place to another
-
a bus line
-
a steamship line
-
military supply lines
b
:
a system that allows people to share information
-
We need to keep the lines of communication open.
19
lines
[plural]
— used in phrases like along the lines of to refer to something that is similar or close to the thing being mentioned
-
We need something along the lines of a small cart. = We need a small cart or something along those/similar lines. [=we need a small cart or something like that]
-
He said he was too busy to help, or something along those lines.
20
[count]
American football
b
:
the players who are positioned on the line of scrimmage
-
the defensive/offensive line
21
[count]
:
an amount of an illegal drug (such as cocaine) that is arranged in a thin line so that it can be breathed into the nose through a straw
along the line
informal
:
during a process or series of events
-
He seems to have lost his interest in music somewhere along the line. [=at some time in the past]
cross the line
down the line
informal
:
in the future
-
If you don't finish school, you'll regret it down the line.
-
We'll have to correct these problems further down the line.
draw a/the line
1
:
to see or understand the difference between things
-
Where do you draw the line between what is good and bad art?
-
It is sometimes hard to draw a line between right and wrong.
2
:
to refuse to do or allow something
:
to set a limit
— usually + at
-
We couldn't invite everyone so we drew the line at immediate family members only.
-
He helps me out a lot but draws the line at cleaning the bathroom.
fall in/into line
get/have a line on
US, informal
:
to get or have information about (someone or something that you are trying to find)
-
Have the police managed to get a line on any of the suspects?
-
She says she has a line on a new car.
hold the line
:
to not allow any more changes or increases
— usually + against or on
—
see also 1line 7 (above)
-
We need to hold the line against further expansion into our territory.
-
The President has vowed to hold the line on tax increases. [=to not allow further tax increases]
hook, line, and sinker
in line
1
— used to say that someone should get something or is likely to get something
-
He's in line for a promotion. = He's in line to get a promotion. [=he is going to be given a promotion]
2
— used to refer to a person or thing that follows or could follow another person or thing
-
The Vice President is first in line to succeed the President.
3
:
doing what other people want or expect
:
in a state of agreement or cooperation
—
see also 1line 3b (above)
-
He says he'll cooperate, but I don't know how much longer we can keep him in line.
in line with
:
in agreement with
-
The new policy is in line with the plans that were discussed last year.
-
My thinking is in line with yours. [=my thinking agrees with yours]
-
The red one is more in line with what I had in mind. [=is more like what I had in mind]
into line
:
into a state of agreement or cooperation
-
It was difficult to get/bring everyone into line. [=to get everyone to agree]
lay it on the line
informal
:
to speak very honestly and directly to someone
-
Let me lay it on the line (to/for you): if your work doesn't improve, you'll be fired.
on line
:
in or into operation
—
see also 1line 3b (above), online
-
The new system will be coming on line next month. = The new system will be brought on line next month. [=the new system will begin working next month]
on the line
:
in danger of being lost or harmed
:
at risk
-
I have to finish this report by tomorrow. My job is on the line. [=I will lose my job if I don't finish this report by tomorrow]
-
The champ's title is on the line in this fight. [=he will lose the title if he loses the fight]
-
He put/laid his life on the line [=he risked his life] for his family.
out of line
informal
:
beyond what is reasonable or allowable
:
not right or appropriate
—
see also step out of line at 2step
-
Your behavior is out of line.
-
These prices are way out of line with what other stores are charging.
-
I can't believe that guy was so rude to you! He was really/way out of line.
read between the lines
take/follow the line of least resistance
the end of the line
toe the line
—
see also bottom line, story line
2
line
/ˈlaɪn/
verb
lines;
lined;
lining
2
line
/ˈlaɪn/
verb
lines;
lined;
lining
Britannica Dictionary definition of LINE
1
[+ object]
:
to place or form a line along (something, such as a hallway, building, or street)
—
see also lined
-
Students lined the hall, waiting to register for classes.
-
Shops line the street. = The street is lined with shops. [=there is a line of shops along the street]
-
a street lined with trees = a tree-lined street
2
baseball
:
to hit a line drive
[no object]
-
He lined to center field.
-
He lined out to the shortstop. [=he hit a line drive that was caught by the shortstop for an out]
[+ object]
-
She lined a single to left field. [=she hit a line drive into left field for a single]
line up
[phrasal verb]
1
:
to form a line
-
The soldiers lined up for inspection.
-
(US) People lined up [=(chiefly Brit) queued up] at the theater waiting to buy tickets.
2
line (people or things) up
or
line up (people or things)
:
to put (people or things) into a line
-
The teacher lined up the children.
-
The soldiers were lined up for inspection.
-
The storekeeper carefully lined up the cans on the shelf.
-
(US) People were lined up [=(chiefly Brit) queued up] at the theater waiting to buy tickets.
3
line (things) up
or
line up (things)
:
to place (things) so that their edges form a straight line
:
align
-
line up (the edges of) two pieces of paper
4
line (something) up
or
line up (something)
:
to succeed in getting (something)
-
He has been trying to line up support for his proposal.
-
She managed to line up a summer job.
—
compare 3line
3
line
/ˈlaɪn/
verb
lines;
lined;
lining
3
line
/ˈlaɪn/
verb
lines;
lined;
lining
Britannica Dictionary definition of LINE
[+ object]
line your pockets
informal
:
to take or get a lot of money by doing something illegal or dishonest
-
corrupt officials who have been lining their pockets at the public's expense [=have been stealing public money]
—
compare 2line
