dead-ball line

American  

[ded-bawl] / ˈdɛdˌbɔl /

noun

Rugby.

1. the line at each end of the field parallel to and not over 25 yards (23 meters) behind the goal line.

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dead-ball line British  

noun

1. rugby a line not more than 22 metres behind the goal line at each end of the field beyond which the ball is out of play

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Etymology

Origin of dead-ball line

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

Five minutes later he was over again, gathering and dotting down former All Black Lima Sopoaga's raking crossfield kick just before the dead-ball line.

From BBC • Oct. 7, 2023

The ball went from Wales' 10-metre line and over the French dead-ball line - allowing the home team to set up the bridgehead which eventually led to their winning score.

From BBC • Mar. 18, 2017

Marcelo slides the ball down the wing for Bale, who reaches the dead-ball line and hooks back into the centre.

From The Guardian • Mar. 8, 2016

Imhoff was the quickest of three Argentine chasers and managed to collect and ground before the dead-ball line for his fourth try in this tournament.

From Washington Times • Oct. 18, 2015

Their day was summed up when Lesley Vainikolo tried to keep a Lamb punt in play, only to flick it past a sprawling Charlie Sharples and over the dead-ball line for an Irish five-metre scrum.

From The Guardian • Sep. 19, 2010