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.
Klecko is a former defensive lineman for the New York Jets who was sentenced to three months in prison for committing perjury in an insurance fraud case. Sarah Davis, The Hill, 13 Feb. 2026 This matches the largest contingent Tech will send to the combine since 2009, when offensive lineman Andrew Gardner, defensive end Mike Johnson, defensive tackles Darryl Richard and Vance Walker and cornerback Jahi Word-Daniels were selected for the event, which is invitation-only. Sarah Spencer, AJC.com, 13 Feb. 2026 Newton, an offensive lineman, pleaded guilty to a federal drug trafficking charge after authorities discovered $10,000 in his pickup truck as well as 175 pounds of marijuana in an accompanying car driven by another man. Seung Min Kim, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2026 But this week Johnson was able to tout the pardon power in a more positive light with football greats such as Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman Nate Newton, who was sentenced to 30 months in prison in 2002 after he was arrested with 175 pounds of marijuana in the trunk of his car near Dallas. Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 13 Feb. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lineman.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lineman. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster