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.
Right tackle Austin Jackson’s four penalties are tied for third-most among offensive linemen. — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 8 Oct. 2026 Colts offensive lineman Matt Goncalves also should be off the hook for his fine of $8,847 for a similar celebration during a game against the Kansas City Chiefs on the same day. — Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026 Same could go for everything-lineman Brady Christensen, who was placed on IR because of a hamstring injury before the season and is thus eligible to return Week 6. — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 8 Oct. 2026 Lindsey said the Gary line department, which serves Portage, Gary, Merrillville, Hobart, Lake Station and New Chicago, had roughly 30 linemen in the early 2000s. — Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 8 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 14 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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