1 B1 neutral
To arrange people or objects in a straight line.
"The sergeant lined out the recruits along the parade ground."
separable
line out
B2 neutral separable transitive/intransitive
To arrange in a line; a specific restart method in rugby; or an audio output signal connection.
In plain English
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.
What does "line out" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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."
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To extend outward in a line — partly transparent.
Actually means
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.
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "line out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
players rugby signal socket troops equipment items
How to conjugate "line out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "line out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "line out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "line out"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
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