Word
lineman
Phoneticsline·man, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɫaɪnmən/
UK/lˈaɪnmən/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a person whose job is to build or repair electrical or phone lines. It can also refer to a player on the front line in American football.
n. a worker responsible for the installation and maintenance of electrical power or telecommunications lines; also a player positioned on the line of scrimmage in American football.
Examples
“The lineman climbed the pole to fix the power line.”
“The offensive lineman must possess both immense physical strength and quick footwork to protect the quarterback from the opposing team's defensive rush during a high-stakes play.”
Examples
simple
“The lineman climbed the pole to fix the power line.”
complex
“The offensive lineman must possess both immense physical strength and quick footwork to protect the quarterback from the opposing team's defensive rush during a high-stakes play.”
Usage
The term is traditionally gendered but remains the standard industry title; 'lineworker' is sometimes used as a gender-neutral alternative.
Etymology
From line + -man.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/lineman