end line

American  

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.

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Etymology

Origin of end line

An Americanism dating back to 1915–20

Example Sentences

Official Alex Billeter waved off the score, ruling the ball was out-of-bounds when attacker Kyra Carusa got a touch on it at the end line to send an assist into the box.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 29, 2024

Bobo tapped both feet down near the end line for his first career TD — and Seattle’s final score in a 37-27 win.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 24, 2023

He resumed warmups while the second half was getting under way, jogging around behind the end line near Miami’s supporter section, and fans roared in delight when he gave them a wave.

From Washington Times • Jul. 21, 2023

After a Warriors made basket, Russell took the ball and stepped back beyond the end line.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 24, 2023

But the linesman ruled that the ball had not completely crossed the end line.

From "Outcasts United: An American Town, a Refugee Team, and One Woman's Quest to Make a Difference" by Warren St. John