ENGLISH
REFERENCE

lineup

n.
US //ˈɫaɪˌnəp// UK //lˈaɪnʌp// line·up
  1. 1 sports team (n.)
    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.

    Example

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

    Example

    Injuries to key defenders forced the manager to make several tactical adjustments to the starting lineup for the championship final.
  2. 2 event performers (n.)
    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.

    Example

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

    Example

    The festival organizers secured an impressive lineup of international headliners, ensuring that tickets sold out within minutes of the announcement.
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  1. 3 criminal identification (n.)
    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.

    Example

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

    Example

    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
  2. 4 product range (n.)
    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.

    Example

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

    Example

    The tech giant refreshed its hardware lineup to better compete with emerging rivals in the tablet market.
  3. 5 a queue (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Dialect

    a line of people or vehicles waiting for something.

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

    Example

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

    Example

    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.
Origin

Deverbal from line up.

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