battle line

noun

1
: a line along which a battle is fought
2
: a line defining the positions of opposing groups in a conflict or controversy
usually used in plural
battle lines were drawn over economic policies

Examples of battle line in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
In both the film and Pynchon’s novel, battle lines are drawn early. Chris Stanton, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2024 The dock workers' strike demonstrates the risks of drawing battle lines and forcing short-term agendas. Ethan Karp, Forbes, 2 Oct. 2024 After months of city meetings capped by one held outdoors in a snowstorm, the battle lines were drawn in one of metro Detroit's most upscale neighborhoods. Bill Laytner, Detroit Free Press, 20 Feb. 2024 Maps of Ukraine counteroffensive and Russian defenses show advances, battle lines From 2022: Fighting rages around Europe's biggest nuclear power plant Contributing: Tom Vanden Brook, Carlie Procell, USA TODAY. Shawn J. Sullivan, USA TODAY, 16 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for battle line 

Word History

First Known Use

1751, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of battle line was in 1751

Dictionary Entries Near battle line

Cite this Entry

“Battle line.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/battle%20line. Accessed 17 Nov. 2024.

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