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
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.
The battle lines will be drawn in the documentary world. Scott Feinberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Dec. 2024 But Thomas’ stunning domination in Boston established a new battle line in the wider culture war. Andy Rose, CNN, 29 Nov. 2024 In the first, Russia would retreat to pre-invasion battle lines, retaining Crimea and the land in the Donbas that the two pro-Moscow statelets occupied before the war. Rajan Menon, Foreign Affairs, 12 Apr. 2023 Cold Case’s binary understanding of the battle lines limits its insight. Alessa Dominguez, Vulture, 22 Nov. 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 26 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on battle line

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!