battle line

American  

noun

1. the line along which warring troops meet.

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battle line British  

noun

1. the line along which troops are positioned for battle

2. conflict or argument is about to occur between opposing people or groups

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Etymology

Origin of battle line

First recorded in 1805–15

Example Sentences

"This is coming like a tsunami and we are the first people on the battle line," said Sherry Brown, a background actor.

From Barron's • Feb. 17, 2026

The orcas, having identified their target, form a battle line and start charging toward the floe.

From National Geographic • Sep. 13, 2023

The battle line ran from Kupiansk, site of a regional railroad junction, through Bakhmut and south to the Russian-occupied city of Shakhtarsk in the Donetsk region, Ukraine's military said early Tuesday.

From Reuters • Feb. 28, 2023

Franny Drumm yelled from the front of the battle line.

From Washington Post • Jan. 3, 2022

Ad aciemP The zombies responded, pushing through the earthen ghosts to form a battle line.

From "Blood of Olympus" by Rick Riordan