lineman

noun

line·​man ˈlīn-mən 

1

: one who sets up or repairs electric wire communication or power lines

called also linesman

2

: a player in the forward line of a team

specifically : a football player in the line

Examples of lineman in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Whether the two opposing linemen actually met at the line of scrimmage that night in 1928 — or in 1929, when the schools played again — has surely been lost to history. — Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026

That juice came from Tonga and the additional offensive linemen. — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 17 Sep. 2026

Defensive lineman Leonard Williams said the Seahawks believe Lock is the best second-string quarterback in the league. — Andrew Destin, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026

With Stribling, Pearsall and defensive lineman Mykel Williams (ACL) out, the 49ers are working without their top draft picks from the last three drafts. — Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 16 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for lineman

• linemen
• steinmann

Kids Definition

lineman

noun

line·​man ˈlīn-mən 

1

: one who sets up or repairs power or telephone lines

2

: a football player whose position is on the line of scrimmage