lineman

noun

line·​man ˈlīn-mən 

1

: one who sets up or repairs electric wire communication or power lines

called also linesman

2

: a player in the forward line of a team

specifically : a football player in the line

Examples of lineman in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Packers, missing All-Pro pass rusher Micah Parsons and a flurry of their own offensive linemen, move to 5-3. — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 30 Oct. 2026

Holloway, the mother of defensive lineman Derrick Gleason, was given a rose by every North Crowley player. — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Oct. 2026

While the Bears are still generating plenty of sacks, those have largely come from blitzing linebackers and defensive backs rather than defensive linemen. — Ryan Canfield Outkick, FOXNews.com, 29 Oct. 2026

Cam Skattebo ran like a bat out of hell against Houston’s linemen, and their secondary didn’t have a ghost of a chance against Malik Nabers (7 receptions, 111 yards). — Bill Reinhard, New York Daily News, 29 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for lineman

• linemen
• steinmann

Kids Definition

lineman

noun

line·​man ˈlīn-mən 

1

: one who sets up or repairs power or telephone lines

2

: a football player whose position is on the line of scrimmage