line
line — verb
1. to be arranged or to place things in a row beside a road, path, or other area, u
to be arranged or to place things in a row beside a road, path, or other area, usually on both sides
Tall palm trees lined the coastal road leading to the resort.
collocation: trees line [road/street]
Hundreds of enthusiastic fans lined the parade route through downtown.
collocation: people line [route/path]
The narrow alley was lined with small shops selling local crafts.
Beautiful old oak trees line both sides of the driveway to the farmhouse.
Photographs of the band's early concerts lined the walls of the music shop.
文法句型
line + noun phrase
be lined with + noun phrase
用法筆記
Frequently used in the passive structure 'be lined with something' to describe what occupies both sides of a path, street, or similar area.
常見錯誤
2. to attach a covering layer to the inside of something, such as a garment or a co
to attach a covering layer to the inside of something, such as a garment or a container, for protection, warmth, or decoration
The heavy winter coat was lined with thick fleece to keep out the cold.
passive: be lined with [material]
Yuki lined the cake tin with baking paper before pouring in the batter.
line + noun + with + noun
The old wooden chest was lined with soft velvet to protect the silverware.
The tailor lined the jacket with silk for a more elegant finish.
文法句型
line + noun phrase + with + noun phrase
be lined with + noun phrase
用法筆記
Almost always appears in the passive form 'be lined with', where the preposition 'with' introduces the material used for the innermost layer.
常見錯誤
3. to draw straight or curved marks across a flat area, for example to separate sec
to draw straight or curved marks across a flat area, for example to separate sections or produce a design
Greta used a ruler to line the paper before starting her diagram.
collocation: line the paper / line the page
The teacher asked the children to line their notebooks with a pencil and ruler.
Christopher's face was lined with deep wrinkles after decades of working outdoors.
Élise lined the margins of her notes with small stars to mark key ideas.
文法句型
line + noun phrase
be lined with + noun phrase
用法筆記
The object of this verb is usually a flat, prepared surface such as a sheet of paper, a notebook page, or a drawing board. The figurative use ('a face lined with wrinkles') extends the idea of lines marking a surface.
常見錯誤
line — noun
1. a thin, continuous trace visible on some surface, created by drawing, writing, o
a thin, continuous trace visible on some surface, created by drawing, writing, or other contact
Gabriel drew a straight line across the paper with his ruler.
draw a line across [surface]
The teacher asked the class to trace the dotted line with a pencil.
A thin white line on the road separates the two lanes of traffic.
Feng noticed a faint line on the old photograph where it had been folded.
The lines on a notebook page help you write in a straight row.
2. a small quantity of powdered drug, typically cocaine, laid out as a narrow strip
a small quantity of powdered drug, typically cocaine, laid out as a narrow strip on a surface for inhaling through the nostrils
The police found a line of white powder on the coffee table.
a line of [drug powder]
Using a credit card, Élise carefully arranged the powder into a thin line.
Aarav warned his younger brother never to try taking a line of cocaine.
The movie showed a character preparing a line of cocaine on a mirror.
用法筆記
This sense is informal and refers specifically to cocaine or similar powdered drugs that are inhaled through the nose.
3. a set of people or objects placed alongside one another in a straight or gently
a set of people or objects placed alongside one another in a straight or gently curving arrangement
Gabriel placed the chairs in a straight line along the wall of the hall.
in a straight line
A neat line of trees separated the school playground from the main road.
Dahlia arranged the birthday candles in a line down the centre of the cake.
The market had a long line of food stalls near the main entrance gate.
Children stood in a line outside the theatre, waiting for the doors to open.
- row
very close in meaning; 'row' can be used for both side-by-side and one-behind-the-other arrangements
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 4 (WAITING QUEUE), where the order is one behind the other rather than side by side.
4. individuals who form a queue by waiting one behind the next for their chance to
individuals who form a queue by waiting one behind the next for their chance to do or receive something
A long line of people waited outside the cinema for the evening show.
a line of people waiting for [something]
Linh stood in line at the supermarket for nearly fifteen minutes.
stand in line
The line for the new ride stretched all the way around the corner.
Ziad asked the woman at the front of the line to watch his bag.
At the bank, customers formed a single line in front of the teller window.
- queue
the usual term in British English; 'line' is the standard American English equivalent
用法筆記
British English prefers 'queue' where American English uses 'line.' Common in phrases like 'stand in line,' 'wait in line,' 'the front of the line.'
常見錯誤
5. a person's position or turn within a queue of waiting people, especially when co
a person's position or turn within a queue of waiting people, especially when considering whether someone unfairly takes a place that is not theirs — for example, cutting in line, jumping the queue, or pushing ahead
João was angry when someone cut in line at the bus stop.
cut in line
The shop assistant asked everyone to wait their turn in line.
A sign on the counter said, 'Please do not jump the line.'
Sumin scolded the woman who tried to push ahead of her at the checkout line.
- queue order
specifically refers to the sequence of waiting, not the physical group
用法筆記
This sense overlaps with sense 4 (WAITING QUEUE) but appears mainly in fixed expressions where someone unfairly takes another's position — 'cut in line,' 'jump the line,' 'push in line.' The focus is on the order rather than the group of people.
常見錯誤
6. a formation of athletes in a contact sport who take up positions alongside one a
a formation of athletes in a contact sport who take up positions alongside one another and act as a single unit, particularly in American football or rugby
The defensive line stopped the runner before he reached the goal area.
defensive line
The coach told the offensive line to push harder during the second half.
offensive line
Jabari plays on the front line of the rugby team and leads the defence.
The other team's defensive line was too strong, and their attack failed.
In American football, the offensive line protects the player who throws the ball.
用法筆記
Used especially in American football (offensive line / defensive line) and rugby (front line). In other team sports such as hockey or soccer, 'line' refers to a group of forwards who play together.
7. a number of events, actions, or people that come one after another in a particul
a number of events, actions, or people that come one after another in a particular order over a period of time
The Mayumi family has owned this land for a long line of generations.
collocation: long line of + plural noun
Esteban could not remember the exact line of events that led to the argument.
The museum exhibit showed a line of artistic styles from the sixteenth century onward.
A line of unusually cold winters affected crops across the entire region.
Brooke traced a line of inventions that changed how people communicate.
用法筆記
Frequently appears with 'long' or 'whole' before it to emphasise that a series is extensive or continuous.
常見錯誤
8. a real or imagined limit that separates one area, place, or idea from another, s
a real or imagined limit that separates one area, place, or idea from another, showing where something ends and something else begins
The river used to form the line between the two ancient kingdoms.
collocation: the line between [two things]
There is a very fine line between being confident and being rude.
collocation: fine line between
Devika was careful not to cross the line of her manager's patience.
The old fence still marks the line where the farmland ends and the forest begins.
- border
more concrete, usually between countries or regions
- boundary
more formal; common in both concrete and abstract uses
- dividing line
emphasises the act of separation
用法筆記
Very common in metaphorical contexts about behaviour or social rules. For a concrete painted boundary on a sports field, see sense 9.
常見錯誤
9. a painted or visible line on a field or court that defines the outer edges of th
a painted or visible line on a field or court that defines the outer edges of the sport space or a section within it
The basketball player stepped on the line before shooting, so the basket did not count.
domain: basketball — foot on the line rule
In tennis, a ball that lands on the line is still considered inside the court.
The referee stood at the side line and watched for any player who crossed it.
Hao kicked the ball over the goal line and scored the winning point.
用法筆記
Different sports use specific names for different lines — 'goal line' in football, 'baseline' in tennis, 'touchline' in rugby. The general term 'line' is understood in all contexts.
常見錯誤
10. the painted line on a track or course that runners, horses, or vehicles must pas
the painted line on a track or course that runners, horses, or vehicles must pass to finish a race and have their result recorded
The runners were exhausted as they reached the line at the end of the race.
collocation: reach the line
Noa crossed the finish line just one second ahead of the second-place runner.
collocation: cross the finish line
The crowd cheered loudly when the first horse reached the line.
A thick white line marks the finish point of the race on the track.
- finishing line
alternative form, equally common in British English
- starting line
the line where a race begins
用法筆記
Often used metaphorically in phrases like 'the finish line of a project' to mean the final stage of a long task or process.
11. a working connection to a telephone system, or the particular telephone number u
a working connection to a telephone system, or the particular telephone number used to reach a specific person or place
The storm damaged the phone lines, so the villagers could not call for help.
compound: phone line
Elise tried to call the office, but the line was busy all morning.
collocation: the line is busy
Please hold the line while I transfer you to our customer service department.
Justin picked up the line the moment he heard his mother's voice.
The hotel installed a new telephone line in every room for the guests.
- connection
more general, can refer to internet or other links
- phone number
refers specifically to the number, not the connection quality
用法筆記
Common in fixed telephone expressions: 'hold the line' (wait on the call), 'the line went dead' (the connection was lost), and 'on the line' (currently speaking on the phone).
常見錯誤
12. a set of metal rails on the ground that trains travel on, or the particular path
a set of metal rails on the ground that trains travel on, or the particular path that a train takes between one station and another
The new train line connects the airport directly to the city centre.
collocation: train line
Workers are repairing the line after the heavy rain washed away part of the track.
Beatrix takes the northern line every morning to get to her office.
The train left the main line and moved onto a smaller track near the station.
Mert checked the map to see which line would get him closest to the museum.
用法筆記
In British English, 'railway line' is the common term; in American English, 'railroad line' or simply 'line' are more frequent. Named subway or metro routes are also called lines: 'the Central Line', 'the Red Line'.
常見錯誤
13. the specific manner in which someone handles a situation, issue, or another pers
the specific manner in which someone handles a situation, issue, or another person — for instance, taking a firm line with difficult clients, or adopting a creative line of questioning during a court case.
Dario's line for dealing with difficult customers was to stay calm and listen first.
The company took a firm line on late payments, charging interest after thirty days.
collocation: take a firm/hard line on [topic]
Folake adopted a different line of questioning when the child refused to answer.
The teacher's line was to praise good work rather than criticise mistakes.
Christopher's legal team chose an aggressive line of argument during the trial.
文法句型
line + of + noun
take/choose/adopt a [adjective] line
用法筆記
Frequently paired with an adjective that describes the approach (firm, hard, soft, tough, aggressive, creative). The phrase 'take a [adjective] line on [topic]' is a common fixed pattern in business and politics.
14. a publicly declared viewpoint regarding a specific topic — for instance, a senat
a publicly declared viewpoint regarding a specific topic — for instance, a senator's line on climate policy, or a newspaper's editorial line on trade.
The senator made her line on climate change very clear during the interview.
collocation: [someone's] line on [issue]
Valentina's line was that public schools should spend more on music and art.
The party's official line on immigration shifted after the election.
Tariq took a strong line against the proposed tax increase.
The newspaper's editorial line has always supported free trade.
- stance
nearly interchangeable; 'stance' slightly emphasises physical posture metaphor
- position
more neutral; 'line' can imply a group or official position
- standpoint
broader, can refer to a general way of viewing things
文法句型
[someone's] line on [subject]
the official/party line
take a [adjective] line against/on [topic]
用法筆記
Common in political, journalistic, and organisational contexts. The noun is often preceded by an adjective or possessive determiner (the official line, the party line, her line). Differs from sense 13 (STRATEGY) in that sense 14 focuses on a publicly stated opinion while sense 13 describes a method of handling a situation.
常見錯誤
15. the standard by which one judges whether a behaviour, action, or remark is accep
the standard by which one judges whether a behaviour, action, or remark is acceptable or unacceptable — for instance, knowing where to draw the line between helping a friend and doing their job for them, or recognising when teasing becomes bullying
For Yuna, the line between friendly teasing and bullying is very clear.
pattern: the line between [A] and [B]
The new law draws a clear line between peaceful protest and violent action.
Tamar knew she had crossed a line when she read her sister's private diary.
Some politicians deliberately blur the line between truth and exaggeration.
Where is the line between helping a friend and doing their job for them?
- boundary
more general; 'line' is more common in idiomatic phrases
- dividing line
more emphatic and formal
- threshold
focuses on the point where something changes or begins to happen
文法句型
(draw/blur/cross) the line between [A] and [B]
a fine/thin line
用法筆記
Almost always appears in fixed phrases: 'draw a line' (create a distinction), 'cross a line' (go beyond what is acceptable), 'blur the line' (make the distinction unclear), and 'fine line' (a very narrow distinction). The preposition 'between' is almost always used with this sense.
常見錯誤
16. a row of military positions where soldiers defend against an enemy, especially t
a row of military positions where soldiers defend against an enemy, especially the row closest to the enemy's forces — for example, troops holding the front line, or a hospital set up behind the lines.
The soldiers held the front line for three days with no fresh supplies.
collocation: hold the front line
Devika worked at a field hospital just behind the enemy lines.
collocation: behind enemy lines
The general ordered his troops to strengthen the defensive line before dawn.
Both armies suffered heavy losses along the first line of defence.
The enemy broke through the front line after a week of heavy fighting.
- front
broader, can refer to a whole area of military activity
- defensive position
more formal and less common in everyday language
文法句型
the front line
the [adjective] line(s)
behind enemy lines
用法筆記
Often appears in the fixed phrases 'front line' (the closest position to the enemy) and 'behind enemy lines' (in territory controlled by the enemy). May be pluralised as 'lines' when referring to a wider defensive area. Also used figuratively for the most exposed position in any struggle (front line of the fight against disease).
17. a set of ice-hockey players who take the ice concurrently and operate as a singl
a set of ice-hockey players who take the ice concurrently and operate as a single unit, typically three forwards or a defensive pairing.
The coach sent out the third line to give the top players a rest.
Élise plays centre on the second line for the Tigers.
domain-specific: numbered lines in ice hockey
The opposing team's first line scored two goals in the opening period.
Brian's coach moved him to a different line to balance the team's speed.
Soraya's defensive line struggled against the fast forwards from Montreal.
- unit
broader term used in many sports; 'line' is specific to ice hockey
- forward line
specifies the attacking group of three forwards
文法句型
the first/second/third line
the [adjective] line
用法筆記
Domain-specific term used almost exclusively in ice hockey commentary, coaching, and discussion. Teams typically have three or four forward lines and two or three defensive pairings. Do not confuse with 'line' in other sports such as American football or soccer, where the structure is different.
18. the visible outer form of a designed object, especially when that form is aesthe
the visible outer form of a designed object, especially when that form is aesthetically pleasing — for example, the clean lines of a modern building, or the elegant lines of a racing bicycle.
The building's clean lines made it popular with modern architecture fans.
collocation: clean lines (design)
Valentina admired the elegant lines of the vintage sports car.
The dress follows the natural lines of the body without being too tight.
The designer softened the lines of the wooden chair to make it feel more welcoming.
Mathieu traced the lines of the statue with his fingers to feel its form.
- outline
focuses on the outer edge rather than the overall shape
- contour
more technical, often used for curved shapes
- silhouette
specifically the dark outline against a lighter background
文法句型
(clean/elegant/sleek) lines
the lines of [something]
用法筆記
Almost always used in the plural form 'lines' when referring to the visual shape of an object. Commonly paired with descriptive adjectives such as 'clean', 'elegant', 'sleek', 'simple', 'soft', or 'flowing'. Differs from the 'LONG MARK' sense (sense 1) in that this sense refers to a designed, aesthetic outline rather than a physical mark on a surface.
19. A long thin piece of strong material, such as rope, cord, or wire, used for hang
A long thin piece of strong material, such as rope, cord, or wire, used for hanging things, tying things, or supporting a weight.
Nora tied the boat to the dock with a thick nylon line.
collocation: thick line / nylon line
The fisherman pulled the heavy net up using a strong line.
A loose electrical line hung from the pole after the storm.
The mountain climber checked her safety line before moving higher.
Nikhil used a clothes line to hang the wet shirts in the sun.
用法筆記
Often used in compound nouns: fishing line, clothes line, power line, and safety line.
常見錯誤
20. A business that carries people or goods from one place to another, such as a shi
A business that carries people or goods from one place to another, such as a shipping company, airline, or bus service.
The shipping line sent cargo from Taiwan to Brazil every week.
collocation: shipping line
Sivan got a job as a pilot with a major airline this year.
The bus line added extra services during the holiday season.
Several ferry lines compete for passengers on this route.
- carrier
more formal; often used in logistics
- transport company
a general term with the same meaning
用法筆記
Nearly always appears as part of a compound noun: shipping line, airline, bus line, ferry line, or cruise line.
常見錯誤
21. Something you say, especially when you are trying to persuade someone, make them
Something you say, especially when you are trying to persuade someone, make them laugh, or get them to believe something that is not completely true.
The salesman gave Christopher a smooth line about the car's fuel economy.
collocation: smooth line
Karim knew the politician's line was just empty promises.
Manuela practiced her pick-up line in front of the mirror before the party.
I did not fall for his line about being a famous director.
用法筆記
Common in fixed phrases such as 'pick-up line', 'smooth line', and 'line of patter'. Usually implies the remark is rehearsed or not entirely sincere.
常見錯誤
22. A single horizontal unit of text that runs from left to right across a printed p
A single horizontal unit of text that runs from left to right across a printed page or on a screen.
Eri read each line of the poem aloud to the class.
collocation: read a line / line of a poem
The opening line of the novel made Lien want to read more.
Please write your name on the blank line at the top of the form.
The teacher asked her students to count how many lines were on each page.
Zuri could not remember the next line of the song during rehearsal.
常見錯誤
23. The exact words that a performer speaks during a film, play, or television or ra
The exact words that a performer speaks during a film, play, or television or radio show.
The young actor forgot one of his lines during the school play.
collocation: forget one's lines
The director asked Élise to read her lines with more emotion.
Romi highlighted every line from the script that she needed to memorize.
Cole wrote new lines for the main character after the script was changed.
用法筆記
Almost always used in the plural (lines) when referring to an actor's spoken words. The singular 'line' is used for one specific sentence within the script.
常見錯誤
24. A disciplinary measure in which a student must copy out a sentence many times by
A disciplinary measure in which a student must copy out a sentence many times by hand as a consequence of misbehaviour.
The teacher gave Antonia two hundred lines for talking during the lesson.
collocation: give someone lines / write lines
Nadia had to stay after school and write lines on the blackboard.
As punishment for arriving late, the boy wrote one hundred lines in his notebook.
The head teacher believed that writing lines taught students to follow the rules.
用法筆記
Very common in British English school settings but rare in other varieties of English. Usually used in the plural with a number: '50 lines', '100 lines', etc.
常見錯誤
25. a set of notes that form a particular part of a tune, often one that is easy to
a set of notes that form a particular part of a tune, often one that is easy to remember and sing or play separately
Rin hummed the opening line of the song during the bus ride.
The pianist played that beautiful bass line again and again.
collocation: bass line / melody line
Mateo could not remember the second line of the chorus.
That trumpet line at the start of the piece is very well known.
The violin and the flute share the same melodic line in this section.
26. the particular type of work or business that someone does, often referring to th
the particular type of work or business that someone does, often referring to their area of activity rather than a specific role
Meera has been working in the fashion line for over ten years.
pattern: in the [area] line
Christopher comes from a family that has been in the hotel line for generations.
What line of work is your sister in?
Defne decided to change her line of business after the pandemic.
The company is looking for an expert in the insurance line.
- trade
more specific to skilled manual work; has an older-fashioned feel
- field
very similar in meaning but slightly broader, can include academic disciplines
- profession
usually implies formal training and qualifications such as law or medicine
用法筆記
Often used in the fixed phrase 'line of work' or 'line of business'. Uncommon as a stand-alone noun for 'job' in modern everyday speech.
常見錯誤
27. a group of related products that a company makes or sells, all sharing a similar
a group of related products that a company makes or sells, all sharing a similar purpose or market
The company is launching a new line of organic skincare products this spring.
pattern: line of [product type] products
Iris decided to expand her clothing line to include children's sizes.
That supermarket chain carries a budget line of household cleaning goods.
Dewi tested every product in the new snack line before approving it.
Jisoo's bakery introduced a gluten-free line of bread and cakes last month.
- range
more commonly used in British English; carries the same meaning
- product line
the full phrase is more formal and common in business writing
- series
implies items that follow one another in sequence rather than a set offered at the same time
常見錯誤
28. a thin crease or mark that appears on a person's skin, especially as a natural p
a thin crease or mark that appears on a person's skin, especially as a natural part of growing older
Lara noticed fine lines around her eyes after years of working outdoors.
collocation: fine lines / laugh lines
The old fisherman's face was covered in deep lines from the sun and wind.
Eitan smiled, and the lines at the corners of his mouth grew deeper.
Some people use special creams to reduce the appearance of lines on their skin.
用法筆記
Often used in plural ('lines') or with modifiers such as 'fine lines', 'laugh lines', 'wrinkle lines'. 'Wrinkle' is a more direct synonym but 'line' is gentler and more common in cosmetic contexts.
常見錯誤
29. a pipe or cable used to supply water, gas, or electric power to buildings from a
a pipe or cable used to supply water, gas, or electric power to buildings from a central system
A construction crew accidentally damaged a gas line near the school yesterday.
collocation: gas line / water line / power line
The city is replacing old water lines to stop the frequent pipe bursts.
Workers are burying new electricity lines along the main road this month.
A broken sewage line flooded the basement of the apartment block.
The building's main water line burst during the cold winter night.
用法筆記
Usually preceded by the type of utility it carries: 'gas line', 'water line', 'power line', 'sewer line', 'sewage line'. In American English, 'utility line' can refer to any of these.
常見錯誤
30. in mathematics, a one-dimensional figure that has length only, with no width or
in mathematics, a one-dimensional figure that has length only, with no width or depth, and continues without end in both directions
Draw a straight line between point A and point B on the graph.
pattern: draw a [adjective] line between [points]
The students learned how to measure the length of a curved line.
Two parallel lines never meet, no matter how far they extend.
A line in geometry has no thickness, only length along a path.
The teacher asked the class to find where the two lines cross each other.
- line segment
has specific endpoints; a line in geometry extends infinitely in both directions
- ray
starts at one point and extends infinitely in one direction only
用法筆記
Distinguish from 'line segment' (which has a fixed length and endpoints) and 'ray' (which has one endpoint and extends forever in one direction). In everyday language, 'line' can mean any of these, but in geometry the terms are precise.