front line

1 of 2

noun

1
a
: a military line formed by the most advanced tactical combat units
b
: an area of potential or actual conflict or struggle
2
: the most advanced, responsible, or visible position in a field or activity

frontline

2 of 2

adjective

front·​line ˈfrənt-ˌlīn How to pronounce frontline (audio)
1
: relating to, being, or involved in a front line
frontline ambulances
2
: first-rate
frontline teachers
also : first-string
a frontline goalie

Examples of front line in a Sentence

Noun These researchers are on the front line of defense against cancer. She has been working on the front lines to educate the poor. Adjective if I'm having brain surgery, I want it done at a frontline hospital
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The spy agency believes the North Korean soldiers were assigned to Russia’s marine and airborne forces units and some of them have already begun fighting alongside the Russians on the front lines, said Lee Seong Kweun, a lawmaker who attended the meeting. Kim Tong-Hyung, Los Angeles Times, 21 Nov. 2024 The authorization followed North Korea's deployment of more than 10,000 soldiers to the Russian front lines. Matt Robison, Newsweek, 20 Nov. 2024
Adjective
Initial Western estimates put the size of the frontline Russian force in Ukraine at 120 battalion tactical groups, which would total at most 120,000 people. Barry R. Posen, Foreign Affairs, 8 July 2022 Also frontline medical personnel: doctors, nurses and others. Dr. Joel M. Rothaizer, McC, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for front line 

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1677, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

1914, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of front line was in 1677

Dictionary Entries Near front line

Cite this Entry

“Front line.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/front%20line. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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