below the line
Americanadverb
adjective
-
denoting the entries printed below the horizontal line on a company's profit-and-loss account that show how any profit is to be distributed
-
(of an advertising campaign) employing sales promotions, direct marketing, in-store exhibitions and displays, trade shows, sponsorship, and merchandising that do not involve an advertising agency
-
(in national accounts) below the horizontal line separating revenue from capital transactions Compare above-the-line
Compare meaning
How does below-the-line compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But the prospect of a stretch without Tatum provided the perfect timing for the Celtics to duck below the line and clean up their finances.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 28, 2026
If it was up to the commenters below the line on BBC Sport's articles about this series, Wane would already be out on his ear.
From BBC • Nov. 8, 2025
Your book also covers jobs above and below the line.
From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 8, 2025
The ball instead hit an overhang just below the line for a home run.
From Washington Times • Jun. 5, 2023
When the modest figure was placed below the line her partner cheered her for her success.
From The Shadow by Ovington, Mary White
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
