Line: meaning, definitions and examples

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line

 

[ laɪn ]

Noun / Verb
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Noun

communication

A long, narrow mark or band.

Synonyms

streak, stripe, stroke

Examples of usage

  • Draw a straight line on the paper.
  • There was a long line of people waiting outside the store.
  • The line on the horizon seemed to stretch to infinity.
Context #2 | Noun

queue

A row of people or vehicles waiting for their turn.

Synonyms

file, lineup, queue

Examples of usage

  • We stood in line for hours to get tickets to the concert.
  • The line at the grocery store was moving slowly.
  • There was a long line of cars on the highway.
Context #3 | Verb

marking

To cover the inner surface of (something) with a layer.

Synonyms

coat, cover, overlay

Examples of usage

  • You need to line the baking pan with parchment paper before pouring the batter.
  • The walls were lined with bookshelves.
  • She lined her eyes with black eyeliner.

Translations

Translations of the word "line" in other languages:

🇵🇹 linha

🇮🇳 रेखा

🇩🇪 Linie

🇮🇩 garis

🇺🇦 лінія

🇵🇱 linia

🇯🇵 線 (せん)

🇫🇷 ligne

🇪🇸 línea

🇹🇷 çizgi

🇰🇷 선 (선)

🇸🇦 خط

🇨🇿 čára

🇸🇰 čiara

🇨🇳 线 (xiàn)

🇸🇮 črta

🇮🇸 lína

🇰🇿 сызық

🇬🇪 ხაზი

🇦🇿 xətt

🇲🇽 línea

Word origin

The word 'line' originated from Middle English, from Old English 'līne', of Germanic origin; related to Dutch 'lijn' and German 'Leine'. The sense 'limit of a shape' and 'cord, rope' derive from Latin 'linea' meaning 'linen thread, string, line'. Over time, the word evolved to encompass various meanings related to marking, communication, and alignment.

See also: delineate, lineage, lineal, linear, lineated, lined, linen, lines, lineup, lining, online, outline, rectilinear, underline, underlining.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #178, this word is extremely common in English. It's a crucial part of basic vocabulary that's used constantly in both spoken and written communication, making it essential for even basic conversations.