battle line

noun

Updated on: 17 Apr 2018

Definition of battle line

1 : a line along which a battle is fought

2 : a line defining the positions of opposing groups in a conflict or controversy —usually used in plural

battle lines were drawn over economic policies

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Recent Examples of battle line from the Web

The articles in question happened to have been written by older women, and even though their generation did not universally agree with the points made, battle lines were drawn.

— michelle dean, The New Republic, "Tensions between two generations of feminists animate Meg Wolitzer’s novel.," 12 Apr. 2018
But as with many a fight over H20, the battle lines were drawn over cities versus farms and who is willing to pay for it.

— latimes.com, "Today: Zuck and Cover," 11 Apr. 2018
The speaker needs to realize, and also all the members of his caucus need to know, is that the battle lines have been drawn.

— chicago tribune, chicagotribune.com, "Morning Spin: Rauner says he reached out to Ives after the election; she says he hasn't," 9 Apr. 2018
From here, the battle lines could shift to issues such as mandatory sick leave (passed last month in Austin) or a fair chance hiring ordinance (passed two years ago in Austin).

— gilbert garcia, San Antonio Express-News, "Chamber pressure compels council to buckle on labor peace," 3 Mar. 2018
Social activism of black athletes remains in the public spotlight, most recently from the increasing solidarity that NFL players showed, and resulting battle lines drawn, from Colin Kaepernick's decision to kneel during the National Anthem.

— marc bona, cleveland.com, "Former Fab Five star Jimmy King, others to participate in Black Athletes, Activism and the Media panel," 25 Feb. 2018
The battle lines have already been drawn as the bulk of the cutbacks, which are needed to fund increased defense and infrastructure spending, come from health care and programs for the poor.

— joel naroff, Philly.com, "What happened to Republican fiscal responsibilty?," 17 Feb. 2018
Echoing the American Revolution, Walker transformed God’s law into battle lines, Providence into a call-to-arms.

— kenyon gradert, Smithsonian, "The Book That Spooked the South," 8 Feb. 2018
Which means the battle lines are now to be fought over what’s in the rearview mirror, not in what comes next.

— Time, "The Koch Brothers Think the Midterm Elections Will Be Brutal," 29 Jan. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'battle line.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of battle line

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BATTLE LINE Defined for English Language Learners

battle line

noun

Definition of battle line for English Language Learners

: a line of soldiers who are fighting in a battle

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battle line

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