clothesline

1 of 2

noun

clothes·​line ˈklōz-ˌlīn How to pronounce clothesline (audio)
 also  ˈklōt͟hz-
: a line (as of cord) on which clothes may be hung to dry

clothesline

2 of 2

verb

clotheslined; clotheslining; clotheslines

transitive verb

: to knock down (someone, such as a football player) by catching by the neck with an outstretched arm

Examples of clothesline in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The clothes that Khaled had worn in detention were hanging behind them on a makeshift clothesline. Mosab Abu Toha, New Yorker, 24 Oct. 2025 Remove it from the dryer while still slightly damp, then hang it on a clothesline or lay flat to finish air drying. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
She gets instantly clotheslined. Emily Brooks, The Hill, 30 Sep. 2025 Travis Jones beat guard Ben Cleveland inside and nearly clotheslined Henry to make the stop. Jeff Zrebiec, The Athletic, 23 July 2024 See All Example Sentences for clothesline

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1830, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1964, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of clothesline was in 1830

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Clothesline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clothesline. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

clothesline

noun
clothes·​line
-ˌlīn
: a line (as of cord) on which clothes may be hung to dry
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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