frontline

American  

[fruhnt-lahyn] / ˈfrʌntˌlaɪn /

Or front-line

adjective

1. located or designed to be used at a military front line.

   a frontline ambulance helicopter.

2. of, relating to, or involving the forefront in any action, activity, or field.

   a frontline TV reporter.

3. highly experienced or proficient in the performance of one's duties.

4. of or relating to essential work that depends on in-person interactions and may involve some risk, especially policing, healthcare, emergency services, public transit, grocery, warehouse, and delivery work.

   Congress is taking up a bill that would guarantee sick leave and hazard pay to frontline workers.

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Etymology

Origin of frontline

First recorded in 1910–15; front (in the military sense) + line ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

Zelensky and German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius last month received the first drone manufactured by QFI, a joint venture between German company Quantum Systems and Ukrainian firm Frontline Robotics.

From Barron's • Mar. 12, 2026

Mykyta Rozhkov, a director at Frontline Robotics and the top Ukrainian executive at the joint venture with Quantum, recalled how his company’s production facility was targeted by a salvo of 14 Russian Shahed drones.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 2, 2026

Frontline, one of the crude tanker companies, is up 37% this year.

From Barron's • Feb. 4, 2026

"Frontline officers will be briefed on this enhanced approach. We will also use powers under the Public Order Act, including conditions around London synagogues during services," the statement said.

From BBC • Dec. 17, 2025

How I’d phoned Frontline Security and spoken to the temp.

From "The London Eye Mystery" by Siobhan Dowd