line of scrimmage

American  

noun

Football.

1. an imaginary line parallel to the goal lines that passes from one sideline to the other through the point of the football closest to the goal line of each team.

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line of scrimmage British  

noun

1. American football an imaginary line, parallel to the goal lines, on which the ball is placed at the start of a down and on either side of which the offense and defense line up

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Etymology

Origin of line of scrimmage

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

The formula for his release off the line of scrimmage?

From Los Angeles Times

The Trojans struggled often at the line of scrimmage.

From Los Angeles Times

Jacksonville looks like a playoff team when it can win at the line of scrimmage.

From Los Angeles Times

Instead, while players from both teams piled up near the line of scrimmage, he spun out to the right and ran untouched into the end zone for a 35-yard, game-winning score.

From The Wall Street Journal

That wasn’t indicative of what was to come, however, as Jacksonville dominated the line of scrimmage and the Chargers were as mild as the balmy day.

From Los Angeles Times