battle line

noun

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

Examples of battle line in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The fight over the U.S. Department of Education has begun, but the battle lines are a little blurry. Cory Turner, NPR, 24 Feb. 2025 Whatever the case, the battle lines surrounding Wagnergate were clear: those who favored a more hawkish policy toward Russia, including powerful figures in Poroshenko’s camp, had used the incident as a cudgel against Zelensky and his team. Joshua Yaffa, The New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2025 Now that this battle line is drawn, the stakes for higher education could not be higher. Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025 State of play: As the drama unfolds, battle lines — and unlikely alliances — are being drawn among West Coast landmarks. Christine Clarridge, Axios, 28 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for battle line

Word History

First Known Use

1751, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of battle line was in 1751

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Battle line.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/battle%20line. Accessed 5 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on battle line

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!