line of scrimmage

noun phrase

: an imaginary line in football that is parallel to the goal lines and tangent to the nose of the ball laid on the ground and marks the position of the ball at the start of each down

Examples of line of scrimmage in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Buccaneers dominated the line of scrimmage and outrushed the Falcons by 225 yards. — Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 3 Nov. 2026

Surely, Miami and New England are both studying film to see what was effective in blocking Rodriguez, but Will linebacker Jordyn Brooks, last year’s league leader in tackles had nine, including two behind the line of scrimmage. — David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026

Beyond pressuring quarterbacks and blowing up run plays behind the line of scrimmage, Harris has also forced three fumbles on the season. — Steven Johnson october 27, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Oct. 2026

After a few plays to bleed time off the clock, UCF brought out the kicking unit on third down, but the kick was blocked and recovered behind the line of scrimmage. — Matt Reigle Outkick, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1909, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for line of scrimmage

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Kids Definition

line of scrimmage

: an imaginary line in football parallel to the goal lines and running through the place the ball is laid before each play begins