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.
But the battle lines in the Isak saga have Howe in direct opposition to his old friends. Oliver Kay, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2025 Even as the battle lines have shifted dramatically, local ratings have remained steady, according to Comscore data. John Wenzel, Denver Post, 20 Aug. 2025 Modern Naval planners forget that, for small ships, the transit to the World War II battle line was usually an awkward and often grinding mix of travel. Craig Hooper, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025 The live events will be the first opportunity for fans to see the fallout from SummerSlam and the battle lines that have been drawn between these new warring factions. Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Aug. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Battle line.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/battle%20line. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

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