firing line

noun

1
: a line from which fire is delivered against a target
2
: the forefront of an activity
used especially in the phrase on the firing line

Examples of firing line in a Sentence

a brave soldier who was never far behind the firing line
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.
Taking Shoaib Bashir out of the firing line seems sensible, too. The Athletic Uk Staff, New York Times, 8 July 2025 Thanks to a last minute call to one of the executioners though, Janine (Madeline Brewer) is pulled from the firing line and spared. Matt Cabral, EW.com, 6 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of firing line was in 1881

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Firing line.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/firing%20line. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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