Also, in line with . In conformity or agreement; within ordinary or proper limits. For example, The new policy was intended to keep prices in line with their competitors , or It's up to the supervisor to keep the nurses in line . Also see fall in line .
denoting a linked sequence of manufacturing processes
denoting an internal-combustion engine having its cylinders arranged in a line
Also, in line with . In conformity or agreement; within ordinary or proper limits. For example, The new policy was intended to keep prices in line with their competitors , or It's up to the supervisor to keep the nurses in line . Also see fall in line .
Also, on line . Waiting behind others in a row or queue. For example, The children stood in line for their lunches , or There were at least 50 persons on line for opera tickets .
in line for . Next in order for, as in He is next in line for the presidency . All of these terms employ line in the sense of “an orderly row or series of persons or objects,” a usage dating from the 1500s.
First recorded in 1925–30
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The other time traveler is the engine: a naturally aspirated, 2.0-liter in-line four.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 23, 2026
When Clarke named his Euro 2024 squad, there were few surprises - in-line with most of his selections - but the omission of Craig Gordon was met with some shock.
From BBC • May 18, 2026
CDW tumbled 19% after the company posted first-quarter earnings in-line with Wall Street expectations while quarterly sales came in above expectations.
From Barron's • May 6, 2026
Microsoft reported a 5 million quarter-over-quarter increase in paid Copilot subscriptions, but Azure revenue growth of 39% was only in-line with estimates, Thill added.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 29, 2026
It was the ‘Bullet N°2’ racing car, the first with an eight-cylinder, in-line engine, according to Eugene Hammond.
From "The Teacher’s Funeral" by Richard Peck
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.
