line of scrimmage

noun phrase

: an imaginary line in football that is parallel to the goal lines and tangent to the nose of the ball laid on the ground and marks the position of the ball at the start of each down

Examples of line of scrimmage in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Wiley caught Fields’ pass facing the line of scrimmage, then quickly turned upfield for additional yardage. — Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 8 Aug. 2026 Undrafted rookie Jack Strand went 1 of 3, all underneath, while veteran backup Cooper Rush completed 2-of-3 passes, also all within 10 yards of the line of scrimmage. — Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 7 Aug. 2026 Third team period Willis at QB CB Chris Johnson with a line of scrimmage tackle on a quick hitch to WR Malik Washington. — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 6 Aug. 2026 The 29-year-old gives Drake Maye an elite option downfield, and OC Josh McDaniels now has a weapon to move across the line of scrimmage. — Jacob Robinson, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for line of scrimmage

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1909, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of line of scrimmage was circa 1909

Rhymes for line of scrimmage

See All Rhymes for line of scrimmage

Browse Nearby Words

line of Saturn
line of scrimmage
line of sight
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Line of scrimmage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/line%20of%20scrimmage. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

line of scrimmage

: an imaginary line in football parallel to the goal lines and running through the place the ball is laid before each play begins
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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