short line: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Primarily written and technical.
Quick answer
What does “short line” mean?
A line that is not long.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A line that is not long; a line of limited length.
A brief communication (e.g., a text message); a brief waiting time; a concise, direct statement; a term in various specific contexts (transportation, finance, textiles, fishing).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal difference in literal meaning. 'To drop someone a short line' (meaning to send a brief message) is slightly more common in UK English. In US railway terminology, a 'short line' is a smaller, regional railroad, a specific and well-established term.
Connotations
In both varieties, it implies brevity, directness, and often informality in communication contexts.
Frequency
Low frequency in casual speech for both. Technical usage (e.g., railway, telecommunications) is domain-specific and not general.
Grammar
How to Use “short line” in a Sentence
[Verb] + a short line (e.g., drop, draw, send)[Adjective] + short line (e.g., single, horizontal)[Preposition] + short line (e.g., in a short line, with a short line)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “short line” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The queue was short-lining quickly.
- (Very rare as verb)
American English
- The train was short-lined to the depot.
- (Technical rail use)
adverb
British English
- (Not used as an adverb)
American English
- (Not used as an adverb)
adjective
British English
- It was a short-line railway serving the local quarry.
- (Attributive noun function)
American English
- He invested in short-line railroad companies.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"Send the client a short line to confirm the meeting time."
Academic
"The poet uses a short line to create a jarring rhythmic effect."
Everyday
"There was only a short line at the supermarket checkout."
Technical
"The data packet travelled over a short line to the local hub." (telecoms) / "The freight was handled by a short-line railway."
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “short line”
- Using 'short line' to mean a short person (incorrect). *'He is a short line.' (Wrong) / 'He is short.' (Correct).
- Overusing the phrase; 'brief message' or 'quick note' is often more natural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not common in modern digital communication. It's an older, somewhat literary phrase for a brief written note (e.g., in a letter or email). 'Text' or 'message' is standard today.
Almost never in general English. In highly specific American rail jargon, 'to short-line' can mean to transfer traffic to a short-line railroad.
They are synonyms in the context of communication, but 'brief note' is more common and neutral. 'Short line' has a slightly more informal, conversational tone.
No. It's just a descriptive phrase ('a short line'). The technical term is simply 'line segment' of a given length.
A line that is not long.
Short line is usually primarily written and technical. in register.
Short line: in British English it is pronounced /ʃɔːt laɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ʃɔːrt laɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Drop me a short line when you arrive.”
- “He's always good for a short line of wisdom.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SHORT queue (LINE) for the cinema, or a SHORT text LINE in a message.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMMUNICATION IS A LINE (A message is a linear thread); TIME/WAITING IS A LINE (A queue is a linear sequence of people).
Practice
Quiz
In US transportation, a 'short line' most specifically refers to: