lineman

noun line·man \ ˈlīn-mən \

Updated on: 10 Apr 2018

Definition of lineman

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

See lineman defined for English-language learners

See lineman defined for kids

Recent Examples of lineman from the Web

Helber Fagundes Everett | Senior, DL/OL Standing 6-5 and 300 pounds, the senior is an imposing linemen.

— BostonGlobe.com, "2017-18 Football All-Scholastics," 7 Apr. 2018
But the Dolphins don’t need to draft an offensive lineman in the first two rounds.

— chris perkins, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Perkins: Dolphins shouldn't draft an offensive lineman in first three rounds | Analysis," 5 Apr. 2018
Todd was an offensive lineman for the Lions' 2017 season.

— ashley remkus, AL.com, "UNA football player accused of severely beating man, kicked off team following arrest," 5 Apr. 2018
Tony Robinson, a former quarterback and Anthony Sagnella, a former defensive lineman, are two of the replacement players who will receive rings.

— kathleen joyce, Fox News, "Washington Redskins to award Super Bowl rings to 1987 replacement players," 8 Mar. 2018
Ross was an offensive lineman on the football team and was named to the Miami Herald’s All-Dade first team offense in 1993.

— howard cohen, miamiherald, "Rapper Rick Ross battling “serious medical condition” in Miami hospital, TMZ says | Miami Herald," 2 Mar. 2018
However, Goff wasn’t overly amused the NFL decided to show him up with an offensive lineman.

— alex makrides, ajc, "Combine Highlight: Pittsburgh offensive lineman runs faster 40-yard dash than Jameis Winston and Jared Goff," 2 Mar. 2018
An offensive lineman for Boise State, he was drafted by the Packers in the second round of the NFL draft and was a member of Green Bay's 2011 Super Bowl championship team.

— Anchorage Daily News, "Alaska High School Hall of Fame adds 13, including 5 athletes," 2 Mar. 2018
So finding an interior lineman to replace Norwell and/or groom behind Kalil makes sense.

— joseph person, charlotteobserver, "Get prepared for a busy Panthers stretch: 10 rhetorical questions about what’s next | Charlotte Observer," 23 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'lineman.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of lineman

1876

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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LINEMAN Defined for English Language Learners

lineman

noun

Definition of lineman for English Language Learners

American football : a player whose position is on the line of scrimmage
: a person whose job is to set up and repair power lines or telephone lines

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lineman

Definition of lineman

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LINEMAN Defined for English Language Learners

lineman

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lineman

Definition of lineman

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First Known Use of lineman

LINEMAN Defined for English Language Learners

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Definition of lineman for English Language Learners

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