# lineup

/ˈɫaɪˌnəp/ (US) · /lˈaɪnʌp/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/lineup
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. sports team

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

- The coach announced the starting lineup an hour before the game began.
- Injuries to key defenders forced the manager to make several tactical adjustments to the starting lineup for the championship final.

### 2. event performers

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

- This year's festival lineup includes several famous rock bands.
- The festival organizers secured an impressive lineup of international headliners, ensuring that tickets sold out within minutes of the announcement.

### 3. criminal identification

noun · CEFR B2 · American English

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

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

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

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

### 4. product range

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic

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

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

- The car company is adding two new electric models to its 2025 lineup.
- The tech giant refreshed its hardware lineup to better compete with emerging rivals in the tablet market.

### 5. a queue

noun · CEFR B2 · Dialect

a line of people or vehicles waiting for something.

For teachers: a sequence of individuals or objects waiting for service or processing.

- There was a long lineup outside the theater on opening night.
- Commuters faced a massive lineup at the border crossing due to the new security protocols implemented over the weekend.

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

## Examples

- The festival lineup includes several of my favorite bands.
- The coach announced a surprising starting lineup for the championship game to counter the opponent's speed.
- While the summer festival's lineup initially drew criticism for its lack of diversity, the final roster of artists delivered a series of surprisingly cohesive performances.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.