linesman

noun

lines·​man ˈlīnz-mən 

1

: lineman sense 1

2

: an official who assists a referee (as in football, tennis, or hockey) especially in determining if a ball, puck, or player is out-of-bounds or offside

Examples of linesman in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The linesman had just flagged Pablo for offside, after his outstretched left leg had failed to get on the end of Bowen’s cross. — Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026

But as referee Ali Ben Nasser and linesman Bogdan Dochev both missed the infraction and there was no video referee, the goal stood. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 28 July 2026

That was until the nearby linesman alerted him to the fact that the goal was disallowed for an apparent foul. — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 18 July 2026

From that pool of nominees, the committee can select a maximum of four male players, two female players, two builders, or one builder and one referee or linesman. — Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 21 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing linesman

• head linesman

Kids Definition

linesman

noun

lines·​man ˈlīnz-mən 

: an official who assists a referee in a game (as football or hockey)