lineman

noun

line·​man ˈlīn-mən How to pronounce lineman (audio)
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

Examples of lineman 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.
Last week alone, the Patriots lost wide receiver Romeo Doubs to a shoulder injury, and added several more offensive linemen to their growing list of injuries in front of Maye. — Matt Schooley, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026 Senior defensive lineman Michael Blangiardo has five sacks, and junior linebacker Jonah Thompson has three interceptions. — Steve Reaven, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026 That’s more than every other offensive player not an offensive lineman or named Bryce Young. — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 22 Oct. 2026 Western Kentucky transfer Koron Hayward anchored that defensive effort with one of the best performances by a defensive lineman in program history. — Neil Nakahodo, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lineman

Word History

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lineman was in 1876

Rhymes for lineman

See All Rhymes for lineman

Browse Nearby Words

line loss
lineman
lineman's loopknot
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lineman.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lineman. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

lineman

noun
line·​man ˈlīn-mən How to pronounce lineman (audio)
1
: one who sets up or repairs power or telephone lines
2
: a football player whose position is on the line of scrimmage
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