redline

1 of 2

noun

red·​line ˈred-ˈlīn How to pronounce redline (audio)
: a recommended safety limit : the fastest, farthest, or highest point or degree considered safe
also : the red line which marks this point on a gauge

redline

2 of 2

verb

red·​line ˈred-ˌlīn How to pronounce redline (audio) -ˈlīn How to pronounce redline (audio)
redlined; redlining; redlines

intransitive verb

: to withhold home-loan funds or insurance from neighborhoods considered poor economic risks

transitive verb

: to discriminate against in housing or insurance

Examples of redline 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.
Noun
Iran has long viewed its nuclear program as a redline in negotiations with the West. — Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026 As the revs climb toward the 7,000-rpm redline, the rear wing deploys, pressing the car harder into the pavement. — Matthew MacConnell, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Verb
Despite the exhibit’s success, McMurray said there are still many stories to share about redlining. — Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 2 June 2026 Ringelstein helped redline the legislation. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 21 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for redline

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1952, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1968, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of redline was in 1952

Rhymes for redline

See All Rhymes for redline

Browse Nearby Words

red lily
redline
red liquor
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Redline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/redline. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on redline

Nglish: Translation of redline for Spanish Speakers

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