line

noun, often attributive
\ ˈlīn How to pronounce line (audio) \

Definition of line

 (Entry 1 of 3)

1a : a length of cord or cord-like material: such as
(1) : a comparatively strong slender cord
(2) : clothesline
(3) : a rope used on shipboard
b(1) : a device for catching fish consisting of a cord with hooks and other fishing gear
(2) : scope for activity : rope
c : a length of material used in measuring and leveling used a line to level the foundation
d(1) : piping for conveying a fluid (such as steam) installed a new gas line
(2) : a narrow short synthetic tube that is inserted approximately one inch into a vein (as of the arm) to provide temporary intravenous access for the administration of fluid, medication, or nutrients
e(1) : a wire or pair of wires connecting one telegraph or telephone station with another or a whole system of such wires also : any circuit in an electronic communication system
(2) : a telephone connection tried to get a line also : an individual telephone extension a call on line 2
(3) : the principal circuits of an electric power system
2a(1) : a horizontal row of written or printed characters the last line on the page also : a blank row in lieu of such characters
(2) : a unit in the rhythmic structure of verse formed by the grouping of a number of the smallest units of the rhythm (such as metrical feet) The poem consisted of 14 lines.
(3) : a distinct segment of a computer program containing a single command or a small number of commands
b : a short letter : note dropped him a line confirming the date
c lines plural : a certificate of marriage
d : the words making up a part in a performance usually used in plural memorized his lines
e : any of the successive horizontal rows of picture elements on the screen of a cathode-ray tube (such as a television screen)
3a : something (such as a ridge or seam) that is distinct, elongated, and narrow growth lines in a tree trunk
b : a narrow crease (as on the face) : wrinkle
c : the course or direction of something in motion : route the line of flight of a bullet
d(1) : a state of agreement or conformity : accordance took a firm line with his nephew
(2) : a state of order, control, or obedience wouldn't let them get out of line
e(1) : a boundary of an area the state line
(2) : distinction sense 1 the fine line between love and hate
f : the track and roadbed of a railway
g : an amount of cocaine that is arranged in a line to be inhaled through the nose
4a : a course of conduct, action, or thought especially : an official or public position the party line
b : a field of activity or interest worked in the plumbing line
c : a glib often persuasive way of talking had a line to make the angels weep
5a : limit, restraint overstepped the line of good taste
b archaic : position in life : lot
6a(1) : family, lineage descended from a noble line
(2) : a strain produced and maintained especially by selective breeding or biological culture
(3) : a chronological series
b : orderly arrangements made to cover extended military positions and presenting a front to the enemy usually used in plural the lines of battle
c : a military formation in which the different elements are abreast of each other
d : naval ships arranged in a regular order
e(1) : the combatant forces of an army distinguished from the staff corps and supply services
(2) : the force of a regular navy
f(1) : officers of the navy eligible for command at sea distinguished from officers of the staff
(2) : officers of the army belonging to a combatant branch
g : an arrangement or placement of persons or objects of one kind in an orderly series a line of trees stand on line waiting in line also : the persons or objects so positioned the line moved slowly at the bank
h(1) : a group of public conveyances plying regularly under one management over a route
(2) : a system of transportation together with its equipment, routes, and appurtenances the eastern freight lines also : the company owning or operating it
i : a succession of musical notes especially considered in melodic phrases
j(1) : an arrangement of operations in manufacturing permitting sequential occurrence on various stages of production a production line
(2) : the personnel of an organization that are responsible for its stated objective
k(1) : the seven players including center, two guards, two tackles, and two ends who in offensive football play line up on or within one foot of the line of scrimmage
(2) : the players who in defensive play line up within one yard of the line of scrimmage
l : a group of three players including a left winger, center, and right winger who play together as a unit in hockey
7 : a narrow elongated mark drawn or projected: such as
a(1) : a circle of latitude or longitude on a map
(2) : equator
b : a mark (as on a map) recording a boundary, division, or contour
c : any of the horizontal parallel strokes on a music staff on or between which notes are placed — compare space
d : a mark (as by pencil) that forms part of the formal design of a picture distinguished from the shading or color
e : a division on a bridge score dividing the score for bonuses from that for tricks
f(1) : a demarcation of a limit with reference to which the playing of some game or sport is regulated usually used in combination
(2) : a marked or imaginary line across a playing area (such as a football field) parallel to the end line
8 : a straight or curved geometric element that is generated by a moving point and that has extension only along the path of the point : curve
9a : a defining outline : contour the rising line of the hills
b : a general plan : model usually used in plural explained the lines of his foreign policy
10a chiefly British : pica used to indicate the size of large type
b : the unit of fineness of halftones expressed as the number of screen lines to the linear inch
11 : merchandise or services of the same general class for sale or regularly available a full line of electrical supplies
12a : a source of information : insight
b : betting odds offered by a bookmaker especially on a sporting event
13 : a complete game of 10 frames in bowling

called also string

14 : line drive