front line

American  

[fruhnt lahyn] / ˈfrʌnt ˈlaɪn /

noun

1. Military. front.

2. the place where in-person essential work is carried out, especially in jobs that may involve some risk, as in policing, healthcare, emergency services, public transit, grocery, warehouse, and delivery work.

   Our bookstore extends a discount to all the teachers, aides, specialists, librarians, and therapists who are on the front line serving our children in schools every day.

3. the visible forefront in any action, activity, or field.

   TV reporters are constantly involved in the front line of events.

4. Football. front four.

5. Basketball. front court.

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front line British  

noun

1. military the most advanced military units or elements in a battle

2. the most advanced, exposed, or conspicuous element in any activity or situation

3.  frontline.  (modifier)

   1. of, relating to, or suitable for the front line of a military formation

      frontline troops

   2. of, relating to, or suitable for public service and business employees who are in direct contact with the public

      frontline staff

   3. to the fore; advanced, conspicuous, etc

      frontline news

   4. of or relating to a country bordering on or close to a hostile country or scene of armed conflict

      leaders of the frontline states attended the summit

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Etymology

Origin of front line

First recorded in 1670–80

Example Sentences

“He’s doing a disservice to the people that are on the front line, that rely on him and his colleagues to give them the parameters of what they can and can’t do,” Doyle added.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026

The foreign ministry estimates that 252 Kenyans have been illegally conscripted to fight on the front line - a trend that began about six months ago and has also involved recruits from other African countries.

From BBC • Mar. 22, 2026

Outmatched on the ground by the better-equipped M23 and Rwandan troops, Kinshasa's forces have relied in part on US pressure on Kigali to stabilise the front line, regional specialists and security sources told AFP.

From Barron's • Mar. 2, 2026

The company’s Claude model and AI tools are on the front line of U.S. innovation, and nothing is more important for U.S. troops than having the battlefield edge in technology.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 27, 2026

Maybe when Tommy and Gino get together on the front line they can feed off each other.

From "Tangerine" by Edward Bloor

Related Words

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