lead line

[ led ]

noun

, Nautical.

1. a line by which a lead is lowered into the water to take soundings: in deep-sea practice, divided into levels one fathom apart, variously treated as marks and deeps.

lead line

/ lɛd /

noun

1. nautical a length of line for swinging a lead, marked at various points to indicate multiples of fathoms

Word History and Origins

Origin of lead line¹

First recorded in 1475–85

Example Sentences

Mr. Eddy, who was self-taught, devised his rhythmic melodicism by playing the lead lines on his recordings on his guitar’s bass strings and by liberally using the vibrato bar.

From New York Times

Oregon, which could have accepted $37 million, said inventories are going to be done with existing staff and resources, adding that utilities have no known lead lines.

From Seattle Times

And the money is only going to places that replace lead lines in their entirety.

From Seattle Times

The Biden administration has also prioritized replacing millions of lead lines around the country, including $15 billion in the federal infrastructure bill for the work.

From Seattle Times

State officials still expressed confidence they will find their lead lines by the federal government’s 2024 deadline and communities will have time to apply for funds.

From Seattle Times