English Reference
noun

lineup

n.
US /ˈɫaɪˌnəp/ UK /lˈaɪnʌp/ line·up UK spelling lineups

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate Sport

    the group of players chosen to start or play in a particular game.

    the collective members of a sports team selected for a specific match or the order in which they compete.

    Simple

    The coach announced the starting lineup an hour before the game began.

    In context

    Injuries to key defenders forced the manager to make several tactical adjustments to the starting lineup for the championship final.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Music

    the list of artists or acts performing at a concert or festival.

    the scheduled set of performers or speakers appearing at an organized event.

    Simple

    This year's festival lineup includes several famous rock bands.

    In context

    The festival organizers secured an impressive lineup of international headliners, ensuring that tickets sold out within minutes of the announcement.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate American English Law

    a row of people, including a suspect, shown to a witness to see if they can identify a criminal.

    a procedure in which a witness to a crime is shown a group of individuals to identify a suspect.

    Simple

    The witness pointed to the third man in the police lineup.

    In context

    Legal counsel argued that the physical lineup was biased because the suspect was significantly taller than the other participants.

    Usage

    Often called an 'ID lineup' or 'police lineup'.

    Teacher's tip

    In British English, this is more commonly referred to as an 'identity parade'.

    identification parade
  4. 04 C1 Advanced Academic

    the set of different products a company has available to sell.

    the complete range of products or models offered by a manufacturer or brand.

    Simple

    The car company is adding two new electric models to its 2025 lineup.

    In context

    The tech giant refreshed its hardware lineup to better compete with emerging rivals in the tablet market.

  5. 05 B2 Upper Intermediate Dialect

    a line of people or vehicles waiting for something.

    a sequence of individuals or objects waiting for service or processing.

    Simple

    There was a long lineup outside the theater on opening night.

    In context

    Commuters faced a massive lineup at the border crossing due to the new security protocols implemented over the weekend.

    Teacher's tip

    This usage is specific to Canadian English; in most other regions, 'line' or 'queue' is preferred.

Indian artists on the lineup include Ricky Kej (performing with Stewart Copeland) and Aditya Gadhvi.

The Guardian· 8 Sept 2026

Green Man’s lineup is hardly built around old-school star power.

The Guardian· 24 Aug 2026

Deverbal from line up.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated