power line: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to Technical
Quick answer
What does “power line” mean?
A cable or wire, usually suspended from pylons or poles, that transmits electrical power over a distance.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A cable or wire, usually suspended from pylons or poles, that transmits electrical power over a distance.
Infrastructure for electricity distribution; sometimes metaphorically used for any conduit of energy, influence, or information.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Terminology is identical, but UK English may more frequently use 'overhead power line' or 'electricity pylon' in context. 'Utility pole' (US) is similar to 'telegraph pole' (UK), which may carry power lines.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both. Associated with rural landscapes, infrastructure development, and potential hazards.
Frequency
Similar high frequency in technical, news, and everyday contexts in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “power line” in a Sentence
The power line runs from [PLACE] to [PLACE].A [ADJECTIVE] power line supplies [PLACE].[VERB] the power line (e.g., repair, install, cut).Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “power line” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The company plans to power-line the entire valley next year. (Rare, informal)
American English
- They need to power-line the new subdivision. (Rare, informal)
adjective
British English
- We are concerned about power-line radiation. (Hyphenated as adjective)
American English
- The project faced power-line right-of-way issues. (Hyphenated as adjective)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Discussed in energy sector reports, infrastructure investment, and utility company operations.
Academic
Used in engineering, urban planning, and environmental impact studies.
Everyday
Common in news about storms causing outages, discussions about landscape, or safety warnings.
Technical
Precise term in electrical engineering for conductors that form part of an electrical transmission or distribution system.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “power line”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “power line”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “power line”
- Using 'powerline' as one word (should be two words or hyphenated as adjective: 'power-line interference').
- Confusing 'power line' with 'power cord' (the latter is for connecting a device to an outlet).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while often overhead, power lines can also be buried underground, especially in urban areas. The term still applies, though 'underground cable' may be specified.
A 'power line' is for public electricity distribution over long distances (outside). A 'power cord' is a cable that connects an appliance to a wall socket (inside).
Not typically. It specifically carries electrical power. However, 'powerline communication' (PLC) is a technology that sends data over existing electrical wiring.
This is a subject of ongoing research and public debate regarding potential health effects of electromagnetic fields. Safety regulations dictate minimum safe distances for construction.
A cable or wire, usually suspended from pylons or poles, that transmits electrical power over a distance.
Power line is usually neutral to technical in register.
Power line: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpaʊə laɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpaʊɚ laɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Don't fly your kite near a power line. (Literal warning, but used as general caution)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a LINE that carries POWER. Just as a pipeline carries water, a power line carries electricity.
Conceptual Metaphor
A POWER LINE is a VEIN/ARTERY (channel for lifeblood/energy of modern society).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'power line' LEAST likely to be used?