line block: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Technical
Quick answer
What does “line block” mean?
A specific section of text set apart with a horizontal rule above and below it.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A specific section of text set apart with a horizontal rule above and below it.
In digital publishing, a pre-styled element (like a paragraph, heading, or quote) separated by lines; a discrete unit in document layout or web design.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common in UK publishing terminology; US equivalents might be 'ruled section' or 'separated block'.
Connotations
UK: Standard technical term. US: Slightly more archaic or specific to print design.
Frequency
Low frequency in both variants, but higher in UK professional contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “line block” in a Sentence
[verb] + line block (e.g., create, format, insert)line block + [of + noun] (e.g., a line block of text)line block + [preposition] (e.g., line block in the document)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “line block” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The editor will line-block that paragraph for emphasis.
American English
- The designer chose to line-block the quote in the layout.
adverb
British English
- The text was presented line-block, making it stand out.
American English
- The section was formatted line-block for visual separation.
adjective
British English
- Use the line-block style for the executive summary.
American English
- Apply the line-block formatting to the callout box.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In report templates and formal document design.
Academic
In formatting theses or journal articles for specific style guides.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Core term in publishing software, CSS (e.g., `border-top`, `border-bottom`), and content management systems.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “line block”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “line block”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “line block”
- Using 'line block' to mean a queue of people.
- Confusing it with a 'blockquote' (which is for quotations).
- Using it as a verb (*'lineblock the text'*).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is typically written as two separate words: 'line block'.
No, it is a specialist term used almost exclusively in publishing, design, and web development contexts.
A 'line block' is specifically defined by horizontal lines (rules) above and below it. A 'text box' can have any kind of border or no border at all and is often a floating element.
Not standardised. Professionals might say 'format as a line block', 'apply a line block style', or 'set in a line block'.
A specific section of text set apart with a horizontal rule above and below it.
Line block is usually formal, technical in register.
Line block: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlaɪn ˌblɒk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlaɪn ˌblɑːk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this compound term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'block' of flats with a 'line' (a ruled border) painted around its middle floor.
Conceptual Metaphor
TEXT IS A STRUCTURE (with compartments separated by lines).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'line block' MOST appropriately used?