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

Garrett has spent his entire career as a defensive end in a 4-3 defense, whereas the Rams have played in a 3-4 scheme during the McVay era with two outside linebackers lining up at the line of scrimmage. —Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 9 June 2026

There have been a lot of throws close to the line of scrimmage. —Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 8 June 2026

Standing some 20 yards behind the line of scrimmage, offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy belted out. —Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 4 June 2026

For the second straight practice the Dolphins attempted to run the ball during the 11-on-11 period, and most of Jaylen Wright’s carries got stuffed at the line of scrimmage. —Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 3 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1909, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for line of scrimmage

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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