bread line

or bread·line

[ bred-lahyn ]

noun

1. a group of needy persons waiting in line for free food to be distributed by a government agency or charitable organization.

Word History and Origins

Origin of bread line¹

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

So bread lines grew, evictions continued and people suffered, many dying.

From Washington Blade

When she reached the dining-car every seat was taken and there was a long bread-line in the narrow corridor.

From Project Gutenberg

No it wasnt, replied the cone,I might rather call it her bread line.

From Project Gutenberg

Some of those men, he surmised, had waited their turns in the bread line.

From Project Gutenberg

They went over at first and stood for some moments before the picture of the bread line.

From Project Gutenberg

Quite often walked the streets all night and got coffee and rolls on the "bread line."

From Project Gutenberg