clothesline

1 of 2

noun

clothes·​line ˈklōz-ˌlīn How to pronounce clothesline (audio)
also ˈklōt͟hz-
: a line (as of cord) on which clothes may be hung to dry

clothesline

2 of 2

verb

clotheslined; clotheslining; clotheslines

transitive verb

: to knock down (someone, such as a football player) by catching by the neck with an outstretched arm

Examples of clothesline 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.
Noun
Inspired by the real Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling, this fictional version of the ‘80s series sees the pair work out their relationship through clotheslines and powerbombs. Andrew Walsh, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Apr. 2026 Avoid the clotheslines during peak pollen times; do your laundry indoors. Joe Mutascio, IndyStar, 1 Apr. 2026
Verb
The fight returned to the ring, and Rhodes clotheslined Fatu to the outside before hitting a dive. Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 25 Jan. 2026 The second foul seemed more egregious, as DeRozan clotheslined Larsson but nonetheless avoided a flagrant 2 foul. Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 21 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for clothesline

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1830, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1964, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of clothesline was in 1830

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Clothesline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clothesline. Accessed 10 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

clothesline

noun
clothes·​line
-ˌlīn
: a line (as of cord) on which clothes may be hung to dry
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