Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

chalk line

American  

noun

Building Trades.
  1. 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.

  2. 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.

See Examples For:

The one tape measure is going to create the square line extending out from the chalk line.

From Seattle Times ● Dec. 12, 2022

The thing to do is snap a chalk line and cut out the dip.

From Washington Post ● Jun. 30, 2020

It was 69 years ago—on April 15, 1947—that Robinson crossed the third base chalk line at Brooklyn’s Ebbet’s Field to become the first African American to play in the Major Leagues.

From Time ● Apr. 15, 2016

“Stevie’s ball barely misses the chalk line there. Of course McGee is one the better relief pitchers in the league. Our guys have been doing a good job out of the pen too. It’s frustrating.”

From Washington Times ● Jun. 16, 2014

He was speaking, his face down as if addressing the white chalk line, which now looked yellow.

From "Purple Hibiscus" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

Get a word

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Dictionary.com's Learning Companion

Go beyond just looking up words.
Remember them forever with VocabTrainer.

Start training