touchline

IPA/ˈtʌtʃlaɪn/
IPA/ˈtʌtʃlaɪn/

touchline — noun

  • touchlinesingular
  • touchlinesplural

1. either side boundary line that runs the full length of a soccer, rugby, or simil

1.nounC1
Definition

either side boundary line that runs the full length of a soccer, rugby, or similar playing field.

Example

Jin chased the loose ball and slid over the touchline near the corner flag.

typical context: ball or player goes over the touchline

The assistant referee raised his flag when Faisal stepped on the touchline.

common context: official watches the touchline for exits

Common collocations
  • cross the touchline
  • down the touchline
  • near the touchline
  • on the touchline
Synonyms
  • sideline

    often the closest equivalent, especially in American English sports writing

  • boundary line

    broader technical term for any marked edge of a playing area

  • line

    informal short form in match talk when the field context is obvious

Grammar Patterns

the touchline

cross the touchline

near the touchline

Usage Note

Usually refers to the long side boundary in British soccer and rugby contexts. Goal line names the shorter boundary behind the goal, and American sports writing often prefers sideline.

Common Mistakes

The ball crossed the touchline and went into the net.
The ball crossed the goal line and went into the net.
the touchline is the side boundary, not the line at the end of the field.
The winger ran down the goal line all match.
The winger ran down the touchline all match.
use touchline for the long side of the field.

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Touchline is the usual British term for the long side boundary of a soccer or rugby field. Sideline often means the same thing, but it is more common in American English and can also mean the area where coaches and substitutes stand. Boundary line is a broader technical label for any marked edge of a playing area, so it does not sound as sport-specific as touchline. Goal line is different because it is the short line at either end near the goal. Byline is narrower still, usually meaning the part of the line near the attacking end in soccer. A winger may race down the touchline, but a shot crosses the goal line.

sidelineboundary linegoal line ↗byline ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

  • assistant referee
  • coach
  • corner flag

Phrases

  • cross the touchline
  • run down the touchline
  • stand on the touchline

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinOld FrenchEnglish

Touchline is a modern English compound formed from touch and line. In British field sports, touch came to mean the area outside the side edge of the field, so touchline named the marked boundary that sends the ball or a player into touch when it is crossed. The first part came into English through Old French from a Vulgar Latin verb meaning to strike or make contact, and the second part came through Old French from Latin linea, meaning a line or thread.

First known use

1863

1863, in the meaning defined above