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

But interior linemen such as guards Kevin Dotson and Steve Avila have remained physically sound. — Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026

Auburn also listed offensive lineman Tai Buster as being out, along with tight end Hunter Herring. — Mike Griffith, AJC.com, 15 Oct. 2026

Hopefully, Miami can begin to reap the benefits from the lumps that the trio of defensive linemen — Grant, Phillips and Biggers — received during their up-and-down rookie campaigns in 2025. — Miami Herald, 15 Oct. 2026

About 450,000 residences and businesses were without power after the initial surge from Isaias, and 16,000 linemen have helped to reconnect them. — Cbs Miami Team, CBS News, 14 Oct. 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