line-out

American  

[lahyn-out] / ˈlaɪnˌaʊt /

noun

Rugby.

1. a procedure for putting an out-of-bounds ball back in play, whereby a player outside the touchline tosses the ball high and between two lines of opposing forwards lined up perpendicular to the touchline.

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line-out British  

noun

1. rugby Union the method of restarting play when the ball goes into touch, the forwards forming two parallel lines at right angles to the touchline and jumping for the ball when it is thrown in

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Etymology

Origin of line-out

First recorded in 1885–90; noun use of verb phrase line out to form a line, line up

Example Sentences

Tom Stewart overthrew a line-out five metres from the Ulster line and Montpellier moved the ball quickly for Taofifenua to cross out wide, and Miotti again converted.

From BBC • May 22, 2026

Would things have changed if Harry Sheridan was able to keep hold of the ball as he fell towards the line, or if Tom Stewart did not overthrow on his line-out?

From BBC • May 22, 2026

Scrum-half Lucy Packer, who played second fiddle to Hunt during the World Cup, looked lively throughout, while 22-year-old lock Lilli Ives Campion also stepped up in the line-out.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026

The line-out fired, they pressurised France in every single way and then you saw French heads go.

From BBC • Mar. 9, 2026

They all moved back to the centre of the field and now the Cambridge men, rushing the ball from a line-out in their favour, pressed hard.

From The Prelude to Adventure by Walpole, Hugh, Sir

Related Words

• belt out
• chant
• croon
• hum
• intone
• serenade
• shout
• wait
• warble
• whistle