front line
Americannoun
-
Military. front.
-
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.
-
the visible forefront in any action, activity, or field.
TV reporters are constantly involved in the front line of events.
-
Football. front four.
-
Basketball. front court.
noun
-
military the most advanced military units or elements in a battle
-
the most advanced, exposed, or conspicuous element in any activity or situation
-
frontline. (modifier)
-
of, relating to, or suitable for the front line of a military formation
frontline troops
-
of, relating to, or suitable for public service and business employees who are in direct contact with the public
frontline staff
-
to the fore; advanced, conspicuous, etc
frontline news
-
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
-
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.
They had already lost their father who had been fighting on the front line.
From BBC • May 21, 2026
That’s how a country at war fields more than 2,000 defense companies and runs production cycles from outline to front line in months, not years.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026
Kosova’s 80-year-old neighbor on Tychyna Avenue, Nila Molchaniuk, said her family puts up with such threats in the knowledge that things are much tougher on the front line.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 18, 2026
There will be a steep learning curve with no time for preparation away from the front line.
From BBC • May 15, 2026
“You will be in combat, but perhaps not always on the front line. If one can even isolate a front line in this type of war,” says Plutarch.
From "Mockingjay" by Suzanne Collins
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.
