head linesman

noun

: a football linesman

Examples of head linesman 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 Bills were fighting for a playoff spot in December 1975 when head linesman Jerry Bergman whistled a play dead, nullifying a fumble by the Dolphins' Mercury Morris. Mike Sando, New York Times, 19 Jan. 2026 Fading Aaron Rodgers Is Still 'Our Quarterback' Hamer's career in the NFL spanned several decades, beginning in 1978 as a head linesman. Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2024 Coover will return as a head linesman on Matt Starr’s crew, a group that includes veterans Art Warren and Don Clay along with Toby Wilson, who is considered one of the best young officials. John Maffei, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 July 2022 On fourth and 2 from the 2, the Ole Miss quarterback faked the handoff, and the head linesman - Gus Morris - came running down the goal line to mark the spot. Mark Heim | Mheim@al.com, al, 20 Dec. 2020

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1949, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of head linesman was circa 1949

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Head linesman.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/head%20linesman. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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