Line: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe a long, narrow mark or band, usually in everyday or general contexts.

• She drew a line on the paper
• The children stood in line to enter the museum

Used to describe a single movement of a brush, pen, or tool when making a mark, often in the context of art or writing.

• The artist made a bold stroke on the canvas
• She crossed out the error with a single stroke of her pen

Used to describe a long, narrow band of color, typically found on clothing, animals, or other objects.

• The shirt has blue and white stripes
• The zebra is known for its black and white stripes

Used to describe a long, thin mark that is different in color or texture from its surroundings, often in the context of stains or light.

• There was a streak of dirt on the window
• The comet left a streak of light in the sky

Used to denote a series of people or things arranged in a straight row, often for organizational purposes or waiting for something.

• The students stood in a line to enter the classroom.
• There was a long line at the checkout counter.

Commonly used in British English to describe people or vehicles waiting in line, often in a more formal or structured way. Can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation when emphasizing waiting or delays.

• They had to queue for hours outside the theater.
• The airport security queue was very long.

Typically describes an arrangement of people or objects in a specific order, often related to events, performances, or investigations.

• The music festival has an impressive lineup of artists.
• The police asked her to identify the suspect from a lineup.

Often used in a more formal or organized setting, especially to describe people or things arranged one after another, such as in a clerical or military context.

• The soldiers marched in single file.
• Please place all the documents in the correct file.

Used when referring to drawing or marking a long, narrow mark or band. Also used when referring to a queue of people or things.

• He drew a straight line on the paper
• There was a long line at the amusement park

General term for placing something over or on top of something else to protect it, conceal it, or hide it.

• He used a blanket to cover himself
• Make sure to cover your mouth when you sneeze

Used when talking about applying a thin layer of a substance over something, especially in terms of painting or cooking.

• She coated the cake with a thin layer of icing
• The walls were coated with a fresh layer of paint

Used when referring to placing something on top of something else, especially when it is transparent or semi-transparent, so both layers are visible.

• The designer overlaid the text on the image
• They overlaid the map with dotted lines to show the routes