redline

1 of 2

noun

red·​line ˈred-ˈlīn How to pronounce redline (audio)
: a recommended safety limit : the fastest, farthest, or highest point or degree considered safe
also : the red line which marks this point on a gauge

redline

2 of 2

verb

red·​line ˈred-ˌlīn How to pronounce redline (audio) -ˈlīn How to pronounce redline (audio)
redlined; redlining; redlines

intransitive verb

: to withhold home-loan funds or insurance from neighborhoods considered poor economic risks

transitive verb

: to discriminate against in housing or insurance

Examples of redline 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.
Noun
The events of the past year have upended long-standing redlines, deterrence parameters, and traditional rules of engagement among foes, and Riyadh is in a uniquely strong position to midwife a better regional order. Maria Fantappie, Foreign Affairs, 22 Nov. 2024 Instead of driving China and North Korea apart, Washington should try to capitalize on Beijing’s power over Pyongyang by urging China to clearly communicate two redlines to its partner. Sungmin Cho, Foreign Affairs, 12 Nov. 2024
Verb
Examples include the 1943 Detroit race riot and 1967 uprising, multiple eras of discriminatory policing and the 1992 killing of Malice Green, a failure to address the educational needs of Black students, redlining and the construction of freeways and industrial factories in Black neighborhoods. Malachi Barrett, Detroit Free Press, 26 Nov. 2024 Due to discriminatory housing laws such as redlining, many communities of color live in pre-existing high-flood-risk zones. Patricia McIlreavy, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for redline 

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1952, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1968, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of redline was in 1952

Dictionary Entries Near redline

Cite this Entry

“Redline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/redline. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on redline

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!