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

Wales took advantage on 20 minutes, with a Gwen Crabb turnover gifting them a promising attacking platform, and while line-out ball was slightly overthrown, Tuipulotu took a clean catch and bulldozed her way through.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 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

A second searching kick produced the foundations for another effective line-out that was again finished by Wainwright with Edwards converting.

From BBC • Mar. 14, 2026

And they paid dearly with an overthrown line-out hacked on by Bielle-Biarrey for Gailleton to charge 50 metres downfield before Ramos finished off the counter-attack in the corner.

From Barron's • Feb. 22, 2026

There was a line-out, a Cambridge man had the ball and fell, Cambridge dribbled past the ball to the half, the ball was in Cardillac's hands.

From The Prelude to Adventure by Walpole, Hugh, Sir

Related Words

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