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
The Cowboys dealt their backup to the Giants in 1974 for a package that included a pick Dallas would use to take defensive lineman Randy White, who became a Super Bowl MVP and Pro Football Hall of Famer.
—
Pat Graham, Chicago Tribune, 12 May 2026
In the first two years under Canales, the Panthers have only had two QBs on the active roster and have kept an additional one on the practice squad — the team opting to use the additional game day slot for an extra lineman, or defender, or someone who can contribute on special teams.
—Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 11 May 2026
Matlock was drafted as a defensive lineman in 2023 under the previous regime.
—Daniel Popper, New York Times, 11 May 2026
In one rep on Saturday, Harbaugh asked the linemen to remove their helmets so the players would temper their level of violence.
—Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 11 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for lineman
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Pat Graham, Chicago Tribune, 12 May 2026
In the first two years under Canales, the Panthers have only had two QBs on the active roster and have kept an additional one on the practice squad — the team opting to use the additional game day slot for an extra lineman, or defender, or someone who can contribute on special teams.
—Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 11 May 2026
Matlock was drafted as a defensive lineman in 2023 under the previous regime.
—Daniel Popper, New York Times, 11 May 2026
In one rep on Saturday, Harbaugh asked the linemen to remove their helmets so the players would temper their level of violence.
—Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 11 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for lineman
Cite this Entry
“Lineman.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lineman. Accessed 17 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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