WordGarden.ioline
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /lˈaɪn/
US
- /ˈlaɪn/
Meanings
Noun
a long narrow mark, stroke, or edge
a row or queue of people or things arranged one behind another
a row of written words or a short piece of scripted dialogue
More meaningsFewer meanings
a wire or connection carrying a phone call, signal, or power
a bus, train, or subway route or service
a range of related products or a branch of business activity
Verb
to cover the inside or surface of something with another material
Beyond the definition
The word "line" seems simple enough, like the mark you draw with a pencil. But it is surprisingly flexible. A line can be something physical, like a row of trees along the horizon or the group of people waiting for tickets. It can also be something less physical, like a line of reasoning in an argument.
You might "draw the line" at something you will not accept, or "toe the line," meaning to follow the rules. A phone line connects you to other people, and a fishing line helps you catch dinner. Sometimes it is about order, as in standing in a line, and other times it is about division, like a border line. In theater, an actor's "lines" are the words they speak on stage. Whether it is a line of poetry or a line of products in a store, the word often describes things set in order or following a path.
The word "line" has a remarkable range of meanings, extending far beyond the simple stroke we make with a pen. At its most basic, a line is a long, narrow mark or strip—think of a straight line on a piece of paper or the lines etched into someone's face by time and experience.
However, "line" quickly expands to cover more ideas. A line can be a queue of people waiting their turn, like at a grocery store checkout. It can define boundaries, such as a property line or the figurative line between right and wrong. It is also important in communication: a telephone line connects voices across distance, while a line of text is one row of words on a page.
"Line" also appears in many figurative senses. A line of inquiry guides research, and a line of argument presents a logical progression. We "draw the line" to set limits, "toe the line" to obey rules, and sometimes we even "drop a line" when we want to send a quick message to a friend.
In specialized fields, the word takes on further meanings: a fishing line in sport, a power line that carries electricity, or a fault line in geology. In poetry and literature, a "line" is a single row of words that helps shape the rhythm of a piece. Whether you are talking about physical marks, waiting patiently, setting boundaries, or expressing yourself, the word "line" connects many ideas and often suggests both order and connection.
Examples
- 1
Drawing
Draw a straight line under the title.
- 2
Queue
There was a long line outside the bakery.
- 3
Written text
I read the first line of the email and knew it was bad news.
- 4
Theater
She forgot one of her lines during the school play.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Phone service
The customer service line was busy all morning.
- 6
Business field
He works in a different line of business now.
- Phraseline of business
type of work or business
- 7
Small difference
There is a fine line between being honest and being rude.
- Patterna fine line between A and B
a very small difference between two things
- 8
Agreement
The new rules are in line with company policy.
- Patternin line with + rule/standard
matching or agreeing with it
- 9
Waiting
We need to line up early if we want good seats.
- Phraseline up
stand in a line
- 10
Parade crowd
Thousands of people lined the streets to watch the parade.
- Patternline the streets
stand along the sides of the streets
- 11
Personal limit
I draw the line at lending him money again.
- Patterndraw the line at + action
refuse to accept or do more than that
- 12
Risk
The whole project is on the line if we miss this deadline.
- Phraseon the line
at risk
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- linenounverb
Forms
- linespluralnounverb
- linedpast tenseverbnoun
- lining-ing formverbnoun