line

Pronunciation

• enPR: līn, IPA ^(key): /laɪn/
• SAMPA: /laIn/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

Noun

Singular line

Plural lines

1. A line is a mark that is long, straight and very thin.

   She drew a line down the middle of the page to divide the page into two parts.

2. A line is a row.

   Put the buttons in a straight line on the front of the shirt.

3. A line is a row of people who are waiting for something in order; a queue.

   You got here last, so you have to stand at the back of the line.

• 
  A gray line
• 
  People standing in line

Synonyms

• queue

Verb

Plain form line

Third-person singular lines

Past tense lined

Past participle lined

Present participle lining

Definitions 1–3 take the preposition "up" ("line up")

1. Someone lines things up when they put them in a straight line or row.
2. Someone lines something up when they put it just in the right place or at the edge of something.

   Line up the end of the piece of wood with the edge of the table.

3. Someone lines up when they start waiting in a line (queue) with other people.

   Everyone line up here, please, and I'll help you one at a time.

4. Someone lines something when they mark it with one or more lines.

   Please line the pitch before the match.

5. Someone lines something when they add an inside layer of material (liner) to it.