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 Bears didn’t officially practice Tuesday either and three key players — wide receiver Rome Odunze (foot), wide receiver Luther Burden III (ankle) and defensive lineman Andrew Billings (illness) — were estimated DNPs.
—
Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 17 Dec. 2025
After reviewing the game footage, Kissin explains that although Mahomes was tackled by Chargers defensive lineman Da'Shawn Hand, the quarterback’s injury was seemingly non-contact and occurred when his leg locked while trying to avoid the tackle.
—Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 16 Dec. 2025
Korey Stringer, an All-American lineman, was drafted in the first round by the Minnesota Vikings in 1995.
—Erin Hassanzadeh, CBS News, 16 Dec. 2025
First, rookie outside linebacker Nic Scourton and defensive lineman Bobby Brown combined for a sack.
—Charlotte Observer, 15 Dec. 2025
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Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 17 Dec. 2025
After reviewing the game footage, Kissin explains that although Mahomes was tackled by Chargers defensive lineman Da'Shawn Hand, the quarterback’s injury was seemingly non-contact and occurred when his leg locked while trying to avoid the tackle.
—Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 16 Dec. 2025
Korey Stringer, an All-American lineman, was drafted in the first round by the Minnesota Vikings in 1995.
—Erin Hassanzadeh, CBS News, 16 Dec. 2025
First, rookie outside linebacker Nic Scourton and defensive lineman Bobby Brown combined for a sack.
—Charlotte Observer, 15 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lineman
Cite this Entry
“Lineman.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lineman. Accessed 19 Dec. 2025.
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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