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line out

B2 neutral separable both
In simple words

To put things in a row, or (in rugby) a special way to restart the game after the ball goes out, or the socket where sound comes out of a device.

Literal meaning: To extend outward in a line — partly transparent.

Meanings

1 B1 neutral

To arrange people or objects in a straight line.

"The sergeant lined out the recruits along the parade ground."

Grammar: separable
2 B2 neutral

In rugby, a set-piece restart where players from both teams form parallel lines to contest a ball thrown in from the touchline.

"England won the line out cleanly and set up a strong attacking drive."

3 B2 neutral

In audio engineering, the output socket or signal from a device sending audio to an amplifier or recording system.

"Connect the line out from the mixer to the input on your amplifier."

Usage notes

Has distinct senses depending on context: (1) general: to arrange in a line or plan out; (2) rugby: a set piece where players line up to contest a thrown-in ball; (3) audio engineering: the output equivalent of 'line in'. ESL learners may encounter all three.

Commonly used with

players rugby signal socket troops equipment items

Forms

Base
line out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
lines out
he/she/it
Past simple
lined out
yesterday
Past participle
lined out
have + pp
-ing form
lining out
continuous

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Synonyms

arrange set out lay out align organise

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