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 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 The virtual battle lines, meanwhile, only became more firmly entrenched. P. W. Singer, Foreign Affairs, 5 Dec. 2023 See all Example Sentences for battle line 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'battle line.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 5 Nov. 2024.

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