line of scrimmage

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.

line of scrimmage

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of line of scrimmage¹

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

The two Trojan tight ends had spent all last Saturday night moving around USC’s formations — split out wide, in the backfield, on the line of scrimmage — paving rush lanes and creating mismatches wherever they went.

From Los Angeles Times

Philadelphia’s strength along both lines of scrimmage should give the Eagles an edge, especially against a Cowboys defense missing Micah Parsons after the trade.

From Los Angeles Times

On a series in the second quarter, he limited a swing pass to Isaac Guerendo to a one-yard gain, then stonewalled the 49ers running back at the line of scrimmage on the next play.

From Los Angeles Times

At the line of scrimmage and while running routes against complex coverages.

From Los Angeles Times

The Super Bowl champions’ dominance at the line of scrimmage is the standard for the league.

From Los Angeles Times