Word
linesman
Phoneticslines·man
UK/lˈaɪnzmən/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a sports official who helps the main referee in football by watching the side lines and calling offside or out-of-bounds balls.
n. a match official positioned on the touchline who assists the referee by signalling offsides, throw-ins, corners, and other line-related decisions.
Examples
“The linesman raises his flag for offside.”
“The linesman flagged for a throw-in after the ball crossed the side line near the bench.”
“After a disputed goal, replays showed the linesman had kept perfect alignment with the second-last defender, confirming the attacker was marginally onside.”
Examples
simple
“The linesman raises his flag for offside.”
contextual
“The linesman flagged for a throw-in after the ball crossed the side line near the bench.”
complex
“After a disputed goal, replays showed the linesman had kept perfect alignment with the second-last defender, confirming the attacker was marginally onside.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “linesman” in context.
Verb
01. blame linesman
“The fans blamed the linesman for missing the clear offside.”
verb + noun
02. consult linesman
“The referee consulted the linesman before awarding the goal.”
verb + noun
03. linesman flags
“The linesman flagged immediately when the striker moved too early.”
noun + verb
04. linesman indicates
“The linesman indicates with his flag who gets the throw.”
noun + verb
05. linesman signals
“The linesman signalled for a throw-in to the home team.”
noun + verb
06. overrule linesman
“The referee overruled the linesman and allowed the goal to stand.”
verb + noun
Adjective
07. alert linesman
“Only an alert linesman could have seen the ball cross the line.”
adj + noun
08. experienced linesman
“An experienced linesman spotted the offside the referee had missed.”
adj + noun
09. senior linesman
“The senior linesman took charge of the final on the east touchline.”
adj + noun
Noun
10. call by linesman
“Players protested the close offside call by the linesman.”
noun + prep + noun
11. decision by linesman
“The goal was disallowed after a late decision by the linesman.”
noun + prep + noun
12. consult the linesman
“The referee ran over to consult the linesman about the incident.”
Real-World Examples
“However, a linesman’s flag indicated an offside so it seemed there would be no penalty.” “Maybe the referee didn’t have the best view – but the linesman on our side needs to see that.” Etymology
From line + -s- + -man.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
Domain
- 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
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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