Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Line-up Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

👥
Add to dictionary

line-up

[ˈlaɪn-ʌp ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

sports

A line-up is a list of players taking part in a game or sports event, especially in team sports.

Synonyms

starting lineup, team roster.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
line-up

Can also be used to describe a group of people waiting in a queue or being checked by authorities, sometimes carrying a neutral or formal context.

  • The suspects were asked to stand in a line-up for identification.
  • We had to join the line-up before entering the concert hall.
team roster

Used to describe the complete list of players or members who belong to a team. It is broader than starting lineup as it includes all team members, not just the starters.

  • The team's roster was updated before the new season.
  • Every player's information is listed on the team roster.
starting lineup

Specifically refers to the primary group of players who begin a game or match, particularly in sports.

  • The coach announced the starting lineup for tonight's game.
  • Several new players were included in the starting lineup.

Examples of usage

  • The coach announced the line-up for the next match.
  • The line-up for the basketball game was impressive, with star players on both teams.
Context #2 | Noun

music

A line-up refers to the members of a band or musical group.

Synonyms

band members, musical group members.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
line-up

Used to describe the arrangement or organization of a group of people involved in an event, often a performance or a schedule. It's commonly used in contexts like concerts, festivals, and sports events.

  • The festival's line-up includes some of the biggest names in music.
  • The coach announced the line-up for tonight's game.
band members

Refers to the individual musicians who are part of a band. This term is specifically used within the context of music bands.

  • The band's success is largely due to its talented band members.
  • Band members usually have a strong camaraderie and understanding of each other.
musical group members

A more formal term for individuals who are part of a musical group. It can refer to members of any musical ensemble, including bands, orchestras, and choirs.

  • The musical group members worked hard to prepare for the upcoming concert.
  • Each musical group member brings their unique talent to the ensemble.

Examples of usage

  • The band's line-up has changed over the years, but they still sound amazing.
  • The festival featured a diverse line-up of musicians from different genres.
Context #3 | Noun

law enforcement

A line-up is a procedure in which a group of people, including a suspect, are shown to a witness to see if the witness can identify the suspect.

Synonyms

identification parade, police lineup.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
line-up

Often used interchangeably with 'identification parade' in law enforcement contexts in both British and American English.

  • The detective arranged a line-up for the witness to identify the criminal.
  • Several suspects were called in for a line-up at the police station.
identification parade

Primarily used in British English to describe a formal process where witnesses identify suspects from a group of individuals. It's common in legal and police contexts.

  • The witness participated in an identification parade to help identify the suspect.
  • After the robbery, the police set up an identification parade to find the culprit.
police lineup

Commonly used in American English to specifically describe the process in which law enforcement arranges suspects for witness identification. This term is most frequently used in legal and procedural contexts.

  • The witness was nervous about picking out the suspect in the police lineup.
  • It's crucial for the police lineup to be conducted fairly to avoid misidentification.

Examples of usage

  • The police conducted a line-up to try and identify the perpetrator.
  • The witness positively identified the suspect in the line-up.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'line-up'

The term 'line-up' originated in sports, specifically in the context of team selection for games. Over time, it has been adopted in various fields such as music and law enforcement. The concept of a 'line-up' has evolved to represent a group or list of individuals organized for a specific purpose, whether in sports, music, or criminal identification procedures.