dead-ball line

American  

[ded-bawl] / ˈdɛdˌbɔl /

noun

Rugby.

1. the line at each end of the field parallel to and not over 25 yards (23 meters) behind the goal line.

---

dead-ball line British  

noun

1. rugby a line not more than 22 metres behind the goal line at each end of the field beyond which the ball is out of play

---

Etymology

Origin of dead-ball line

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

dead-ball line

Five minutes later he was over again, gathering and dotting down former All Black Lima Sopoaga's raking crossfield kick just before the dead-ball line.

From BBC ● Oct. 7, 2023

Marcelo slides the ball down the wing for Bale, who reaches the dead-ball line and hooks back into the centre.

From The Guardian ● Mar. 8, 2016

Imhoff was the quickest of three Argentine chasers and managed to collect and ground before the dead-ball line for his fourth try in this tournament.

From Washington Times ● Oct. 18, 2015

There was someone in my ear saying: 'Don't worry, it went over the dead-ball line.

From The Guardian ● Aug. 27, 2011

His clearance kick went too long and over the dead-ball line which gave the visitors another chance to attack.

From BBC ● May 1, 2010