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 for the Senate GOP leader race are finally in sharp focus, and Texas Sen. John Cornyn is emerging as a key player. Stef W. Kight, Axios, 1 Nov. 2024 Their place, too, would be spelled out in the new Syria, along with at least the outline of an international security effort to police former battle lines and vulnerable areas. Edward P. Joseph, Foreign Affairs, 29 Sep. 2015 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 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 24 Nov. 2024.

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