bread line

American  

[bred-lahyn] / ˈbrɛdˌlaɪn /

Or breadline

noun

1. a group of needy persons waiting in line for free food to be distributed by a government agency or charitable organization.

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Etymology

Origin of bread line

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

As the unemployment rate surged to 25% and bread lines snaked around cities across the country, anger spread against the bankers and big businesses that were seen as responsible for the 1929 stock crash.

From The Wall Street Journal

He’s amiable but outraged, delivering a blistering critique of the country’s high unemployment rate, bread lines and uneven wealth distribution.

From Los Angeles Times

Scuffles broke out among people waiting in bread lines.

From Literature

My pal Tan Vinh tells me the bread line at Q Bakery is a sight to see on weekends.

From Seattle Times

Long bread lines recently plagued the country, where around two thirds of the population of 6 million, including 1 million Syrian refugees, now lives in poverty.

From Seattle Times