line of scrimmage

noun phrase

: an imaginary line in football that is parallel to the goal lines and tangent to the nose of the ball laid on the ground and marks the position of the ball at the start of each down

Examples of line of scrimmage 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.
Along with coaches George Halas, Clark Shaughnessy, and Ralph Jones, Luckman was a pioneer in the T Formation motion, with three running backs lined up behind the quarterback and a man shifting laterally and behind the line of scrimmage. CBS News, 8 Feb. 2026 Of the 47 sacks, 20 come from the defensive line, where DeSoto native Byron Murphy (Texas), Leonard Williams and DeMarcus Lawrence dominated the line of scrimmage. Dallas Morning News, 5 Feb. 2026 These guys genuinely want to build the trenches, be strong at the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball, and that’s a huge key to surviving and thriving in the NFL. Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 4 Feb. 2026 Patriots defenders may be expected Sunday to mimic a cacophony of various loud bird chirps near the line of scrimmage in an effort to discombobulate Darnold. Greg Cote february 3, Miami Herald, 3 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for line of scrimmage

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1909, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of line of scrimmage was circa 1909

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Line of scrimmage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/line%20of%20scrimmage. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

line of scrimmage

: an imaginary line in football parallel to the goal lines and running through the place the ball is laid before each play begins
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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