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
There were the same cars on the blocks, the clotheslines, and the scabby back yards. Jennifer Wilson, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2025 The hanging loop is great for airing it out on a tree branch, clothesline, or tent pole, and the towel never seems to retain funky odors, even after using it for days in the field. Karthika Gupta, Travel + Leisure, 22 Sep. 2025
Verb
Travis Jones beat guard Ben Cleveland inside and nearly clotheslined Henry to make the stop. Jeff Zrebiec, The Athletic, 23 July 2024 At one point, as part of the show, Feldman had to pretend to get clotheslined by a wrestler. Stayton Bonner, Rolling Stone, 21 Apr. 2024 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 30 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

clothesline

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