linesman

American  

[lahynz-muhn] / ˈlaɪnz mən /

noun

plural

linesmen

1. Sports.

   1. an official, as in tennis and soccer, who assists the referee.

   2. Football. an official who marks the distances gained and lost in the progress of play and otherwise assists the referee and field judge.

   3. Ice Hockey. either of two officials who assist the referee by watching for icing, offside, and substitution violations and fouls and by conducting face-offs.

2. lineman.

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linesman British  

/ ˈlaɪnzmən /

noun

1. an official who helps the referee or umpire in various sports, esp by indicating when the ball has gone out of play

2. US and Canadian name: lineman.  a person who installs, maintains, or repairs telephone or electric-power lines

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Etymology

Origin of linesman

First recorded in 1855–60; line ¹ + 's ¹ + -man

Example Sentences

It also came after the Kings got a fortunate break, with a Colorado clearing pass striking a linesman, leading to a faceoff in the Kings’ offensive end.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

The defensive linesman then fumbled the ball and Hurts gathered it up, only to then lose the ball again when he was tackled.

From BBC • Dec. 9, 2025

Binnington, who took the historic puck from Ovechkin's goal and pocked it before a linesman retrieved it from him, was pulled after surrendering four goals in just under 30 minutes.

From Barron's • Nov. 6, 2025

It’s year No. 52 officiating high school sports for Louis Vargas, who worked last week as the head linesman during the Sherman Oaks Notre Dame-Bishop Alemany game.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 2, 2025

The Lightning made a run, took a shot, and appeared to score, but the linesman raised his flag to signify offside.

From "Outcasts United: An American Town, a Refugee Team, and One Woman's Quest to Make a Difference" by Warren St. John