line item

noun

: an appropriation that is itemized on a separate line in a budget
line-item adjective

Examples of line item 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 appeal is understandable, particularly when margins are under pressure, and investors are watching every line item. Cindy Rodriguez Constable, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026 Broadcast revenue is the biggest line item, with next season’s 20th-place Premier League club in line for a $165 million payout from the league, according to Sportico estimates. Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 22 May 2026 Current enforcement relies too heavily on voluntary compliance and fines that for a corporation of Perdue’s size are just a line item. Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 20 May 2026 City Council must work with the City Attorney’s Office to aggressively combat line items that do not benefit District 2 residents. David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for line item

Word History

First Known Use

1962, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of line item was in 1962

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Line item.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/line%20item. Accessed 2 Jun. 2026.

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