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

He wants his quarterbacks to call their own play at the line of scrimmage based on how the defense is lined up.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 4, 2026

This is a remote camera hovering above and behind the line of scrimmage, replicating the perspective one sees in a video game.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 22, 2026

But under pressure, Williams retreated so far to buy himself time that he found himself 26.5 yards behind the line of scrimmage when he threw the ball.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 19, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 27, 2025

Right before coming to the line of scrimmage, McDougal turned to Bevers and said simply, “This is it.”

From "Friday Night Lights: A Town, A Team, And A Dream" by H.G. Bissinger