line of scrimmage

noun phrase

: an imaginary line in football that is parallel to the goal lines and tangent to the nose of the ball laid on the ground and marks the position of the ball at the start of each down

Examples of line of scrimmage 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.
It was said that Smith did not like Russell Wilson changing plays at the line of scrimmage. Mike Defabo, New York Times, 19 June 2025 Worthy had 59 catches as a rookie, and 53 of them were either within 10 yards of the line of scrimmage or behind the line. Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 6 June 2025 Young talent like Marvin Mims Jr. Long-time staple on the opposing side of the line of scrimmage, Mike McGlinchey. Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 28 May 2025 Five of general manager Brian Gutekunst’s eight picks were on the line of scrimmage, including North Carolina State offensive tackle Anthony Belton in the second round and Texas edge rusher Barryn Sorrell in the fourth. Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for line of scrimmage

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1909, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of line of scrimmage was circa 1909

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Line of scrimmage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/line%20of%20scrimmage. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

line of scrimmage

: an imaginary line in football parallel to the goal lines and running through the place the ball is laid before each play begins
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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