front line

[fruhnt lahyn]

noun

1. Military.,  front.

2. 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.

3. the visible forefront in any action, activity, or field.

   TV reporters are constantly involved in the front line of events.

4. Football.,  front four.

5. Basketball.,  front court.

front line

noun

1. military the most advanced military units or elements in a battle

2. the most advanced, exposed, or conspicuous element in any activity or situation

3. frontline. (modifier)

   1. of, relating to, or suitable for the front line of a military formation

      frontline troops

   2. of, relating to, or suitable for public service and business employees who are in direct contact with the public

      frontline staff

   3. to the fore; advanced, conspicuous, etc

      frontline news

   4. 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of front line¹

First recorded in 1670–80

Example Sentences

It’s now on the front lines of this massive war against our social safety net.

Read more on Salon

Memphis is the front line of Musk’s costly foray into the AI wars.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

I could think of only one group of people who could be using the path in an occupied village so close to the front line: Russian soldiers.

Read more on BBC

Alison Morton, CEO of the Institute of Health Visiting, told the inquiry it was "inappropriate" as they "were needed most on their own front line".

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“The people who are laughing at ICE are not contrary to the people who are standing on the front lines,” he said.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• facade 
• face 
• façade 
• head 
• top