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.
2.
Mathematics. a continuous extent of length, straight or curved, without breadth or thickness; the trace of a moving point.
3.
something arranged along a line, esp. a straight line; a row or series: a line of trees.
4.
a number of persons standing one behind the other and waiting their turns at or for something; queue.
5.
something resembling a traced line, as a band of color, a seam, or a furrow: lines of stratification in rock.
6.
a furrow or wrinkle on the face, neck, etc.: lines around the eyes.
7.
an indication of demarcation; boundary; limit: the county line; a fine line between right and wrong.
8.
a row of written or printed letters, words, etc.: a page of 30 lines.
9.
a verse of poetry: A line in iambic pentameter contains five feet.
10.
Usually, lines.the words of an actor's part in a drama, musical comedy, etc.: to rehearse one's lines.
11.
a short written message: Drop me a line when you're on vacation.
12.
a system of public conveyances, as buses or trains, plying regularly over a fixed route: the northbound line at State Street.
13.
a transportation or conveyance company: a steamship line.
14.
a course of direction; route: the line of march down Main Street.
15.
a course of action, procedure, thought, policy, etc.: That newspaper follows the communist line.
16.
a piece of pertinent or useful information (usually fol. by on): I've got a line on a good used car.
17.
a series of generations of persons, animals, or plants descended from a common ancestor: a line of kings.
18.
a department of activity; occupation or business: What line are you in?
19.
Informal. a mode of conversation, esp. one that is glib or exaggerated in order to impress or influence another person: He really handed her a line about his rich relatives.
20.
a straight line drawn from an observed object to the fovea of the eye.
21.
lines,
a.
the outer form or proportions of a ship, building, etc.: a ship of fine lines.
b.
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.
c.
a person's lot or portion: to endure the hard lines of poverty.
d.
Chiefly British. a certificate of marriage.
22.
a circle of the terrestrial or celestial sphere: the equinoctial line.
a mark made by a pencil, brush, or the like, that defines the contour of a shape, forms hatching, etc.
b.
the edge of a shape.
25.
Television. one scanning line.
26.
Telecommunications.
a.
a telephone connection: Please hold the line.
b.
a wire circuit connecting two or more pieces of electric apparatus, esp. the wire or wires connecting points or stations in a telegraph or telephone system, or the system itself.
27.
the line, Geography. the equator.
28.
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.
29.
an assembly line.
30.
Law. a limit defining one estate from another; the outline or boundary of a piece of real estate.
31.
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).
32.
Music. any of the straight, horizontal, parallel strokes of the staff, or one placed above or below the staff.
33.
Military.
a.
a defensive position or front.
b.
a series of fortifications: the Maginot line.
c.
Usually, lines.a distribution of troops, sentries, etc., for the defense of a position or for an attack: behind the enemy's lines.
d.
the body of personnel constituting the combatant forces of an army, as distinguished from the supply services and staff corps.
34.
an arrangement of troops of an army or of ships of a fleet as drawn up for battle: line of battle.
35.
a body or formation of troops or ships drawn up abreast (distinguished from column).
36.
the class of officers serving with combatant units or warships.
37.
the regular forces of an army or navy.
38.
that part of an administrative organization consisting of persons actively engaged on a given project. Compare staff1(def. 4).
39.
a thread, string, cord, rope, or the like.
40.
a clothesline: the wash hanging on the line.
41.
a cord, wire, or the like, used for measuring or as a guide.
42.
Nautical.
a.
a pipe or hose: a steam line.
b.
a rope or cable used at sea.
43.
Slang. a small quantity of cocaine arranged in the form of a slender thread or line, as for sniffing.
44.
Also, ligne.a unit, 1/40 inch (0.635 millimeter), for measuring the diameter of buttons.
45.
Angling. a length of nylon, silk, linen, cord, or the like, to which are attached the leader, hook, sinker, float, etc.
46.
Football.
a.
either of the two front rows of opposing players lined up opposite each other on the line of scrimmage: a four-man line.
the betting odds established by bookmakers for events not covered by pari-mutuel betting, esp. sporting events, as football or basketball.
48.
Ice Hockey. the two wings and center who make up a team's offensive unit.
49.
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.
50.
Textiles. the longer and preferred flax or hemp fibers. Compare tow2(def. 2).
51.
Fox Hunting. the trail of scent left by a fox.
52.
a unit of length equivalent to 1/12 inch (2.12 millimeters).
53.
Insurance.
a.
a class or type of insurance: casualty line.
b.
the amount of insurance written for a particular risk.
54.
AustralianSlang. a girl or woman.
–verb (used without object)
55.
to take a position in a line; range (often fol. by up): to line up before the start of a parade.
56.
Baseball.
a.
to hit a line drive.
b.
to line out.
–verb (used with object)
57.
to bring into a line, or into line with others (often fol. by up): to line up troops.
58.
to mark with a line or lines: to line paper for writing.
59.
to sketch verbally or in writing; outline (often fol. by out): We followed the plan he had lined out.
60.
to arrange a line along: to line a coast with colonies.
61.
to form a line along: Rocks lined the drive.
62.
to apply liner to (the eyes).
63.
to delineate with or as if with lines; draw: to line the silhouette of a person's head.
64.
Archaic. to measure or test with a line.
—Verb phrases
65.
line out,
a.
Baseball. to be put out by hitting a line drive caught on the fly by a player of the opposing team.
b.
to execute or perform: He lined out a few songs upon request.
66.
line up, to secure; make available: to line up support; to line up a speaker for the banquet.
—Idioms
67.
bring, come, or get into line,
a.
to become or cause to become straight, as in a row: The members of the marching band got into line.
b.
to conform or cause to conform or agree: They were persuaded to come into line with the party's policy.
68.
down the line,
a.
in all ways; thoroughly; fully: It's a fine house right down the line—well-built, roomy, attractive.
b.
in the future.
69.
draw the line, to impose a restriction; limit: They might exaggerate but would draw the line at outright lying.
70.
go up in one's lines, Theater. to forget one's part during a performance. Also, British, go up on one's lines.
71.
hold the line, to maintain the status quo, esp. in order to forestall unfavorable developments: We're trying to hold the line on prices.
72.
in line,
a.
in alignment; straight.
b.
in conformity or agreement.
c.
in control (of one's conduct): to keep one's temper in line.
d.
prepared; ready.
e.
waiting one behind the other in a queue: There were eight people in line at the teller's window.
73.
in line with, in agreement or conformity with: The action taken was in line with her decision.
74.
in the line of duty, in the execution of the duties belonging to some occupation, esp. with regard to the responsibility for life and death: a policeman wounded in the line of duty. Also, in line of duty.
75.
lay it on the line, Informal.
a.
to give money; pay.
b.
to give the required information; speak directly or frankly: I'm going to stop being polite and lay it on the line.
76.
off line,
a.
occurring or functioning away from an assembly line, work process, etc.
b.
not in operation; not functioning.
77.
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.
78.
on line,
a.
on or part of an assembly line: Production will be improved when the new welding equipment is on line.
b.
in or into operation: The manufacturing facilities will be on line before November.
c.
Computers. actively linked to a computer: The printer is not yet on line.
being risked or put in jeopardy; in a vulnerable position: Our prestige and honor are on the line.
b.
immediately; readily: paid cash on the line.
80.
out of line,
a.
not in a straight line.
b.
in disagreement with what is accepted or practiced.
c.
Informal. impertinent; presumptuous: That last remark was out of line.
81.
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.
82.
toe the line or mark,
a.
to conform strictly to a rule, command, etc.
b.
to shoulder responsibilities; do one's duty: He tried hard to toe the line on the new job.
Origin: bef. 1000; ME li(g)ne cord, rope, stroke, series, guiding rule, partly < OF ligne ≪ L līnea, n. use of fem. of līneus flaxen (orig. applied to string), equiv to līn(um) flax (see line2) + -eus-eous, partly continuing OE līne string, row, series < L, as above
draw (drô) v.
drew (drōō), drawn (drôn), draw·ing, draws
v.
tr.
To cause to move after or toward one by applying continuous force; drag: drew the chair closer to the table; a team of horses drawing a wagon. See Synonyms at pull.
To cause to move in a given direction or to a given position, as by leading: The teacher drew the children into the room to see the decorations.
To move or pull so as to cover or uncover something: draw the curtains.
To extract or take for one's own use: draw strength from one's friends.
To make (tea) by steeping.
To cause to come by attracting; attract: afraid the casino will draw undesirable elements to the town.
To select or take in from a given group, type, or region: draw clients from all levels of society.
To withdraw (money).
To use (a check, for example) when paying.
To receive on a regular basis or at a specified time: draw a pension.
To take (cards) from a dealer or central stack.
To force (a card) to be played.
To hit or strike (a billiard ball, for example) so as to give it backspin.
To hit (a golf ball) with a draw.
To flatten, stretch, or mold (metal) by hammering or die stamping.
To shape or elongate (a wire, for example) by pulling through dies.
To inscribe (a line or lines) with a pencil or other marking implement.
To make a likeness of on a surface, using mostly lines; depict with lines: drew a map of the area; drawing landscapes and still lifes.
To portray in writing or speech; depict with words: draws moving scenes of ghetto life.
To cause to flow forth: a pump drawing water; a blow that drew blood.
To suck or take in (air, for example); inhale.
To require (a specified depth of water) for floating: a boat drawing 18 inches.
To take or pull out: drew a gun from beneath the counter; drew out a fat wallet.
To extract or take for one's own use: draw strength from one's friends.
To make (tea) by steeping.
To cause to come by attracting; attract: afraid the casino will draw undesirable elements to the town.
To select or take in from a given group, type, or region: draw clients from all levels of society.
To withdraw (money).
To use (a check, for example) when paying.
To receive on a regular basis or at a specified time: draw a pension.
To take (cards) from a dealer or central stack.
To force (a card) to be played.
To hit or strike (a billiard ball, for example) so as to give it backspin.
To hit (a golf ball) with a draw.
To flatten, stretch, or mold (metal) by hammering or die stamping.
To shape or elongate (a wire, for example) by pulling through dies.
To inscribe (a line or lines) with a pencil or other marking implement.
To make a likeness of on a surface, using mostly lines; depict with lines: drew a map of the area; drawing landscapes and still lifes.
To portray in writing or speech; depict with words: draws moving scenes of ghetto life.
To eviscerate; disembowel.
To cause to come by attracting; attract: afraid the casino will draw undesirable elements to the town.
To select or take in from a given group, type, or region: draw clients from all levels of society.
To withdraw (money).
To use (a check, for example) when paying.
To receive on a regular basis or at a specified time: draw a pension.
To take (cards) from a dealer or central stack.
To force (a card) to be played.
To hit or strike (a billiard ball, for example) so as to give it backspin.
To hit (a golf ball) with a draw.
To flatten, stretch, or mold (metal) by hammering or die stamping.
To shape or elongate (a wire, for example) by pulling through dies.
To inscribe (a line or lines) with a pencil or other marking implement.
To make a likeness of on a surface, using mostly lines; depict with lines: drew a map of the area; drawing landscapes and still lifes.
To portray in writing or speech; depict with words: draws moving scenes of ghetto life.
To bring to a certain condition or action; lead: drawn to despair; drew them to resign.
To bring about deliberately; provoke: draw enemy fire; draw a penalty on an opponent.
To evoke as a response; elicit: a performance that drew jeers from the audience.
To earn; gain: deposits that draw interest at a rate of 5 percent.
To withdraw (money).
To use (a check, for example) when paying.
To receive on a regular basis or at a specified time: draw a pension.
To take (cards) from a dealer or central stack.
To force (a card) to be played.
To hit or strike (a billiard ball, for example) so as to give it backspin.
To hit (a golf ball) with a draw.
To flatten, stretch, or mold (metal) by hammering or die stamping.
To shape or elongate (a wire, for example) by pulling through dies.
To inscribe (a line or lines) with a pencil or other marking implement.
To make a likeness of on a surface, using mostly lines; depict with lines: drew a map of the area; drawing landscapes and still lifes.
To portray in writing or speech; depict with words: draws moving scenes of ghetto life.
To take or receive by chance: draw lots.
Games
To take (cards) from a dealer or central stack.
To force (a card) to be played.
To hit or strike (a billiard ball, for example) so as to give it backspin.
To hit (a golf ball) with a draw.
To flatten, stretch, or mold (metal) by hammering or die stamping.
To shape or elongate (a wire, for example) by pulling through dies.
To inscribe (a line or lines) with a pencil or other marking implement.
To make a likeness of on a surface, using mostly lines; depict with lines: drew a map of the area; drawing landscapes and still lifes.
To portray in writing or speech; depict with words: draws moving scenes of ghetto life.
To end or leave (a contest) tied or undecided.
Sports
To hit or strike (a billiard ball, for example) so as to give it backspin.
To hit (a golf ball) with a draw.
To flatten, stretch, or mold (metal) by hammering or die stamping.
To shape or elongate (a wire, for example) by pulling through dies.
To inscribe (a line or lines) with a pencil or other marking implement.
To make a likeness of on a surface, using mostly lines; depict with lines: drew a map of the area; drawing landscapes and still lifes.
To portray in writing or speech; depict with words: draws moving scenes of ghetto life.
To pull back the string of (a bow).
To distort the shape of.
To stretch taut.
To flatten, stretch, or mold (metal) by hammering or die stamping.
To shape or elongate (a wire, for example) by pulling through dies.
To inscribe (a line or lines) with a pencil or other marking implement.
To make a likeness of on a surface, using mostly lines; depict with lines: drew a map of the area; drawing landscapes and still lifes.
To portray in writing or speech; depict with words: draws moving scenes of ghetto life.
To inscribe (a line or lines) with a pencil or other marking implement.
To make a likeness of on a surface, using mostly lines; depict with lines: drew a map of the area; drawing landscapes and still lifes.
To portray in writing or speech; depict with words: draws moving scenes of ghetto life.
To formulate or devise from evidence or data at hand: draw a comparison.
To compose or write out in legal format: draw a deed.
v.
intr.
To proceed or move steadily: a ship drawing near the shore.
To attract customers or spectators: The new play is drawing well.
To pour forth liquid: The patient's veins don't draw easily.
To cause suppuration.
To take in a draft of air: The flue isn't drawing.
To steep in or as if in the manner of tea.
To pull out a weapon for use.
To use or call upon part of a fund or supply: drawing on an account; drew from the experience of fellow workers.
To contract or tighten: material that draws when it dries.
To conclude a contest without either side winning; tie: The chess players drew in 32 moves.
To make a likeness with lines on a surface; sketch.
n.
An act of drawing.
The result of drawing.
The arrangement of competitors in a tournament in which the match-ups are made at random.
A match-up or opponent in such a tournament.
Games A draw shot.
Sports A moderate, usually controlled hook in golf.
Something drawn, especially a lot, card, or cards drawn at random.
Sports & Games
The arrangement of competitors in a tournament in which the match-ups are made at random.
A match-up or opponent in such a tournament.
Games A draw shot.
Sports A moderate, usually controlled hook in golf.
An inhalation, especially through a pipe or other smoking implement.
One that attracts interest, customers, or spectators: a singer who is a popular draw.
The movable part of a drawbridge.
A special advantage; an edge: have the draw on one's enemies.
A contest ending without either side winning.
A small natural depression that water drains into; a shallow gully.
Football A play in which the quarterback drops back as if to pass and then hands off to a running back.
Sports A face-off.
Games A draw shot.
Sports A moderate, usually controlled hook in golf.
To prolong; protract.
To induce to speak freely: managed to draw the shy child out.
To compose or write in a set form; write out: draw up a contract; draw up a list.
To bring (troops, for example) into order.
To bring or come to a halt.
To bring (oneself) into an erect posture, often as an expression of dignity or indignation.
Chiefly Southern U.S. To shrink when washed. Used of clothes.
Phrasal Verb(s): draw awayTo move ahead of competitors. draw backTo retreat. draw downTo deplete by consuming or spending: drew down our food reserves. draw onTo approach: as evening draws on. draw out
To prolong; protract.
To induce to speak freely: managed to draw the shy child out.
draw up
To compose or write in a set form; write out: draw up a contract; draw up a list.
To bring (troops, for example) into order.
To bring or come to a halt.
To bring (oneself) into an erect posture, often as an expression of dignity or indignation.
Chiefly Southern U.S. To shrink when washed. Used of clothes.
Idiom(s):
draw a blankTo fail to find or remember something.
Idiom(s):
draw and quarter
To execute (a prisoner) by tying each limb to a horse and driving the horses in different directions.
To disembowel and dismember after hanging.
Informal To punish severely: The teenager was drawn and quartered for wrecking the family's only car.
Idiom(s):
draw strawsTo decide by a lottery with straws of unequal lengths.
Idiom(s):
draw the line
To decide firmly an arbitrary boundary between two things: "Where do you draw the line between your own decisions and those of your superiors?"(Robert Marion).
To decide firmly the limit of what one will tolerate or participate in: The officer committed fraud but drew the line at blackmail.
n. a story or argument; a story intended to seduce someone. (See also lines.) : Don't feed me that line. Do you think I was born yesterday?
n. and rail. a dose of finely cut cocaine arranged in a line, ready for insufflation or snorting. : Let's you and me go do some lines, okay? , The addict usually “snorts” one or two of these “rails” with some sort of a tube.
Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions by Richard A. Spears.Fourth Edition. Copyright 2007. Published by McGraw Hill.
Cite This Source
Word Origin & History
line (v.)
"to cover the inner side of," c.1386, from O.E. lin "linen cloth" (see linen). Linen was frequently used in the Middle Ages as a second layer of material on the inner side of a garment.
In technical analysis, a horizontal pattern on a price chart indicating a period during which supply and demand for a security are relatively equal. Technical analysts generally look for the price to break away from the line, at which time they are likely to take a position in the direction of the movement. See also making a line.
Main Entry: line Pronunciation: 'lIn Function: noun 1: something (as a ridge, seam, mark, or streak) that is distinct, elongated, and narrow—see LINEA 2: a strain produced and maintained especially by selective breeding or biological culture 3: a narrow short synthetic tube (as of plastic) that is inserted approximately one inch into a vein (as of the arm) to provide temporary intravenous access for the administrationof fluid, medication, or nutrients
line (līn) Pronunciation Key
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.
[lahyn] 
noun, verb, lined, lin⋅ing.