front line
Americannoun
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front lines
plural
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Military. front.
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the place where in-person essential work is carried out, especially in jobs that may involve some risk, as in policing, healthcare, emergency services, public transit, grocery, warehouse, and delivery work.
Our bookstore extends a discount to all the teachers, aides, specialists, librarians, and therapists who are on the front line serving our children in schools every day.
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the visible forefront in any action, activity, or field.
TV reporters are constantly involved in the front line of events.
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Football. front four.
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Basketball. front court.
noun
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military the most advanced military units or elements in a battle
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the most advanced, exposed, or conspicuous element in any activity or situation
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frontline. (modifier)
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of, relating to, or suitable for the front line of a military formation
frontline troops
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of, relating to, or suitable for public service and business employees who are in direct contact with the public
frontline staff
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to the fore; advanced, conspicuous, etc
frontline news
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of or relating to a country bordering on or close to a hostile country or scene of armed conflict
leaders of the frontline states attended the summit
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Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of front line
First recorded in 1670–80
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 truce, which covers the Kherson region only and began early Tuesday, marks the longest pause in fighting between Russia and Ukraine anywhere on the front line since Russia invaded its neighbour in February 2022.
From Barron's ● Oct. 31, 2026
The electrical engineer, who only gave his first name, has sent his wife and 10-year-old daughter to a calmer town away from the front line.
From Barron's ● Oct. 30, 2026
Oleshky is on the south bank of the river Dnipro, which forms the front line in the Kherson region.
From BBC ● Oct. 27, 2026
Brown said: "Our officers put themselves on the front line to help keep people safe. Thankfully, no one sustained more serious injuries during this incident, including officers and other road users."
From BBC ● Oct. 18, 2026
The starting front line plays against the starting defense.
From "Tangerine" by Edward Bloor
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
