1
a
: a military line formed by the most advanced tactical combat units
also
: front sense 2a(2)
b
: an area of potential or actual conflict or struggle
2
: the most advanced, responsible, or visible position in a field or activity
front·line
ˈfrənt-ˌlīn 
1
: relating to, being, or involved in a front line
frontline ambulances
2
: first-rate
frontline teachers
Synonyms of front line
Examples of front line in a Sentence
Noun
These researchers are on the front line of defense against cancer.
She has been working on the front lines to educate the poor.
Adjective
if I'm having brain surgery, I want it done at a frontline hospital
Recent Examples on the Web
William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 9 Jan. 2026
As Frank experimented with different front lines, either due to injuries or lack of attacking chemistry, the 20-year-old remained on the fringes behind Wilson Odobert, Randal Kolo Muani and even Brennan Johnson, who was sold to Crystal Palace for £35million ($47m) on January 2.
—Elias Burke, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 11 Dec. 2025
Full security cover was removed after Harry and Meghan stepped back from frontline royal duties in 2020.
—Simon Perry, PEOPLE, 8 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for front line
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
The agency is in the process of transitioning to a healthier schedule for those on the front lines of fighting fires.
—William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 9 Jan. 2026
As Frank experimented with different front lines, either due to injuries or lack of attacking chemistry, the 20-year-old remained on the fringes behind Wilson Odobert, Randal Kolo Muani and even Brennan Johnson, who was sold to Crystal Palace for £35million ($47m) on January 2.
—Elias Burke, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
As companies scale, layers of management pile up and information silos begin to form, driving decision-makers further from frontline reality.
—Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 11 Dec. 2025
Full security cover was removed after Harry and Meghan stepped back from frontline royal duties in 2020.
—Simon Perry, PEOPLE, 8 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for front line
Cite this Entry
“Front line.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/front%20line. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share