line of duty

noun phrase

: all that is authorized, required, or normally associated with some field of responsibility

Examples of line of duty 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.
The killing of the Montreal police officer is the first death in the line of duty in the city in decades, Dagher said. — Michael Loria, USA Today, 23 June 2026 The brazen daylight shooting, which law enforcement sources believe was a targeted attack on police, marks the first time a Montreal officer has been killed in the line of duty in two decades. — Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 22 June 2026 Family members of some of the 241 officers who died in the line of duty were also present for the annual memorial ceremony, which also featured a volunteer choir and a helicopter flyover. — City News Service, Daily News, 27 May 2026 According to historical accounts, Reeves was involved in several deadly confrontations during his career and reportedly killed 14 outlaws in the line of duty. — Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 6 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for line of duty

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1918, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of line of duty was circa 1918

Rhymes for line of duty

See All Rhymes for line of duty

Browse Nearby Words

line of distance
line of duty
line of elevation
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Line of duty.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/line%20of%20duty. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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