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.
His beloved Vikings used their top pick—the eighteenth over all—on a defensive lineman named Caleb Banks, who had immense talent but also a troubling history of left-foot issues, including breaking a bone at the Combine. Dan Greene, New Yorker, 18 May 2026 The Charlotte Observer confirmed last week that starting defensive lineman Turk Wharton underwent surgery on his neck. Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 18 May 2026 Another player who had a good day was transfer defensive lineman Jacaryous Holzendorf, who moved in from Georgia, following former teammates Jackson and offensive lineman James Campbell. Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 May 2026 There's no way to spin losing out on a five-star offensive lineman who lives less than an hour from campus. Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 16 May 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 21 May. 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
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