line of duty

noun phrase

: all that is authorized, required, or normally associated with some field of responsibility

Examples of line of duty in a Sentence

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.
Reddins’ death marks the first line of duty death for the Oak Park Police Department since 1938, according to the release. Jonathan Limehouse, USA TODAY, 29 Nov. 2024 The police department notes that this marks the first line of duty death for the department in more than 100 years. Brandi D. Addison, Austin American-Statesman, 26 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1918, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of line of duty was circa 1918

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Cite this Entry

“Line of duty.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/line%20of%20duty. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

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