line-out

American  

[lahyn-out] / ˈlaɪnˌaʊt /

noun

Rugby.

1. a procedure for putting an out-of-bounds ball back in play, whereby a player outside the touchline tosses the ball high and between two lines of opposing forwards lined up perpendicular to the touchline.

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line-out British  

noun

1. rugby Union the method of restarting play when the ball goes into touch, the forwards forming two parallel lines at right angles to the touchline and jumping for the ball when it is thrown in

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Etymology

Origin of line-out

First recorded in 1885–90; noun use of verb phrase line out to form a line, line up

Example Sentences

Wales hit back almost immediately off line-out ball, Kelsey Jones finding Bethan Lewis before joining the back of the rolling maul and dotting down.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026

Quins had been warned over repeated infringements by referee Luc Ramos and when Will Evans was sin-binned, Sale took full advantage as Cowan-Dickie rumbled over at the back of a line-out maul.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

It produced another driving line-out try with hooker Lake diving over for a score the captain deserved after his impressive individual campaign.

From BBC • Mar. 14, 2026

Italy captain Michele Lamaro acknowledged that France had been simply too clinical for his team, although he expressed frustration at the Azzurri's line-out troubles that cost them chances to attack from good field position.

From Barron's • Feb. 22, 2026

There was a line-out, a Cambridge man had the ball and fell, Cambridge dribbled past the ball to the half, the ball was in Cardillac's hands.

From The Prelude to Adventure by Walpole, Hugh, Sir

Related Words

• belt out
• chant
• croon
• hum
• intone
• serenade
• shout
• wait
• warble
• whistle