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

See Examples For:

line-out

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

Unable to slow Saracens' quick ball, they conceded a fourth try to Carre, the prop powering over after a well worked line-out move.

From BBC ● Apr. 19, 2026

Wales hit back almost immediately off line-out ball, Kelsey Jones finding Bethan Lewis before joining the back of the rolling maul and dotting down.

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

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