chalk line
Americannoun
-
a chalked string for making a straight line on a large surface, as a wall, by holding the string taut against the surface and snapping it to transfer the chalk.
-
the line so made.
Etymology
Origin of chalk line
late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50
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.
The one tape measure is going to create the square line extending out from the chalk line.
From Seattle Times ● Dec. 12, 2022
“It’s not like, you know, today they snapped a chalk line and all of a sudden there’s a massive change in the daily operations of our men and women over there.”
From Washington Times ● Dec. 9, 2021
Five girls and two boys took off from a blue chalk line.
From New York Times ● Aug. 9, 2021
The thing to do is snap a chalk line and cut out the dip.
From Washington Post ● Jun. 30, 2020
The coral was scribbled in the sea as though a giant had bent down to reproduce the shape of the island in a flowing chalk line but tired before he had finished.
From "Lord of the Flies" by William Golding
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.
