end line

noun

, Sports.

1. a line at each end of a court or playing field at right angles to the sidelines that defines one of the lengthwise boundaries of the playing area.
2. a line at each end of a football field parallel to and 10 yards (9 meters) behind the goal line.

Word History and Origins

Origin of end line¹

An Americanism dating back to 1915–20

Example Sentences

Rouse the cable out through the hawse-hole, slacking up on the end line, and tricing up if necessary.

From Project Gutenberg

Take out the turns by the first line passed in, and haul in again on the end line.

From Project Gutenberg

That final rush met with so little opposition that Cole went stumbling and falling half-way to the end line!

From Project Gutenberg

The ball had to be simply driven over the end line to count a score.

From Project Gutenberg