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.
The flexibility of the cornerback group is augmented by the fact that both starting safeties, Hamilton and Starks, can play deep, move closer to the line of scrimmage or even match up in the slot. Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 19 June 2025 Other quarterbacks move up to the line of scrimmage with time to survey the defense and adjust, if warranted. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 14 June 2025 When healthy, Brisker is a versatile safety who can play close to the line of scrimmage and even totaled four sacks as a rookie in 2022. Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2025 The 6-foot-2, 202-pound safety has the size and physicality to lay down the law near the line of scrimmage, and that could help the defensive play-caller, Evero, mix and match his personnel looks before the snap. Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 3 June 2025 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 1 Jul. 2025.

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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