poverty line

noun

: a level of personal or family income below which one is classified as poor according to governmental standards

called also poverty level

Examples of poverty line 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.
Harper said that today, approximately one in four households in the ZIP code live below the federal poverty line. Austin Hornbostel, Nashville Tennessean, 24 Sep. 2025 In 2023, almost 42 percent of Puerto Ricans lived below the federal poverty line. Valerie Trapp, The Atlantic, 20 Sep. 2025 The law requires hospitals to assist uninsured patients in applying for charity care and limits bills for people with incomes less than 250% of the federal poverty line, or about $80,000 for a family of four. Meg Wingerter, Denver Post, 6 Sep. 2025 To be eligible for a voucher, a family’s gross monthly income before taxes must be at or below 150% of the federal poverty line, or $3,751 a month for a family of four. Caroline Beck, IndyStar, 4 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for poverty line

Word History

First Known Use

1901, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of poverty line was in 1901

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Cite this Entry

“Poverty line.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/poverty%20line. Accessed 30 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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