end line

American  

noun

Sports.

1. a line at each end of a court or playing field at right angles to the sidelines that defines one of the lengthwise boundaries of the playing area.

2. a line at each end of a football field parallel to and 10 yards (9 meters) behind the goal line.

---

Etymology

Origin of end line

An Americanism dating back to 1915–20

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

end line

Leandro Trossard got the assist, bending a perfect back-post cross from the end line to his waiting teammate.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 7, 2026

But the beamer near the left side end line was actually angled perfectly to drop into goal.

From Seattle Times ● Nov. 5, 2023

Messi had a hand in Cremaschi’s goal, sending a pass that Alba kept from going over the end line before passing to Cremaschi.

From Washington Times ● Aug. 6, 2023

He nearly got an assist late when he darted past a defender on the end line and picked out Benteke, who launched his one-time shot well over the bar.

From Washington Post ● Apr. 8, 2023

There was a thud, then a moment’s pause as Mafoday and his teammates realized the ball had stopped in his gray padded goalie gloves—and stayed there, just in front of the end line: a save.

From "Outcasts United: An American Town, a Refugee Team, and One Woman's Quest to Make a Difference" by Warren St. John