line of sight

American  

[lahyn uhv sahyt] / ˈlaɪn əv ˈsaɪt /

noun

1. Also called line of sighting.  an imaginary straight line running through the aligned sights of a firearm, surveying equipment, etc.

2. Astronomy. an imaginary line from an observer to a celestial body, coincident with the path traveled by light rays receivedfrom the body.

3. Radio. a straight line connecting two points sufficiently high and near one another so that the line is entirely above the surface of the earth.

4. Ophthalmology. line of vision.

5. sightline.

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line of sight British  

noun

1. the straight line along which an observer looks or a beam of radiation travels

2. ophthalmol another term for line of vision

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Etymology

Origin of line of sight

First recorded in 1550–60

Example Sentences

“We have to have…not a social media post, a credible line of sight to the war in Iran ending,” he says.

From Barron's • May 8, 2026

Always in each other’s line of sight, always negotiating space that didn’t exist.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

Additionally, Arcuri said he doesn’t think Intel would’ve retaken ownership of the Ireland fab if it didn’t have “a good line of sight over potential foundry wins.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 2, 2026

The Greater Manchester Baccalaureate aims to give young people a clear line of sight to high-quality jobs in sectors that are growing in the local economy.

From BBC • Jan. 11, 2026

She’s so tired of me; it feels physically painful to be caught in her line of sight.

From "Starfish" by Akemi Dawn Bowman