line-out: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal (Sports), Technical (Computing/Electronics)
Quick answer
What does “line-out” mean?
In rugby union: a restarting of play by throwing the ball back into play from the touchline after it has gone out of bounds.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In rugby union: a restarting of play by throwing the ball back into play from the touchline after it has gone out of bounds.
1. (sports) The set procedure for restarting play when the ball has crossed the touchline in rugby. 2. (computing/electronics) An output line or connection for sending a signal from a device.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In sports, 'line-out' is primarily a rugby union term, a sport more commonly played in the UK. In American English, the term is rarely used outside of rugby coverage; there is no direct American football equivalent. The technical/computing meaning is internationally recognized.
Connotations
In the UK/Ireland, strongly associated with rugby culture. In the US, it is a niche sports term or a technical specification.
Frequency
Far more frequent in UK/Irish/Australian/NZ English due to rugby's popularity. In American English, low frequency except in specific technical or sports-reporting contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “line-out” in a Sentence
The team performed a line-out.They won possession from the line-out.The hooker threw the ball into the line-out.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “line-out” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The hooker will line-out the ball to the second row.
- They practised how to line-out effectively.
American English
- (Rare as verb in US) The audio system is lined-out to the external speakers.
adverb
British English
- (Not standard)
American English
- (Not standard)
adjective
British English
- Their line-out play was dominant.
- We need a new line-out strategy.
American English
- Check the line-out connection on the back of the amplifier.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Potentially in metaphorical use: 'The project is in a line-out phase, waiting for the key decision.'
Academic
Rare, except in sports science papers analysing rugby set pieces.
Everyday
Common in countries where rugby is popular (UK, Ireland, South Africa, etc.). Uncommon elsewhere.
Technical
Standard in electronics/audio engineering: 'Connect the device to the line-out port.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “line-out”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “line-out”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “line-out”
- Spelling as 'lynout' or 'lineout' (though 'lineout' is an accepted variant).
- Using 'line-out' to mean 'time out' in other sports.
- Confusing 'line-out' (output) with 'line-in' (input) in audio contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both 'line-out' (hyphenated) and 'lineout' are accepted, though dictionaries and formal writing often favour the hyphenated form.
A soccer throw-in is taken with hands from a stationary position, throwing overhead back into play. A rugby line-out involves players from both teams lining up perpendicular to the touchline, and the ball is thrown straight down the corridor between them, where players can be lifted to catch it.
Yes, but it is less common and primarily used in rugby contexts (e.g., 'to line-out the ball'). In technical contexts, it's not used as a verb.
The opposite is a 'line-in' port, which is used for receiving an audio signal into the device for recording or processing.
In rugby union: a restarting of play by throwing the ball back into play from the touchline after it has gone out of bounds.
Line-out is usually formal (sports), technical (computing/electronics) in register.
Line-out: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlaɪn aʊt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlaɪn ˌaʊt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To be 'on the line-out' (figuratively, to be next in line or ready for a challenge - rugby slang).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of rugby players standing in a LINE, waiting for the ball to be thrown OUT of play back to them.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMPETITION IS A CONTESTED RESTART (rugby). TRANSFER OF INFORMATION/SIGNAL IS A PHYSICAL CONNECTION (technical).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'line-out' MOST likely to be used in everyday American English?