front line

1 of 2

noun

1
a
: a military line formed by the most advanced tactical combat units
b
: an area of potential or actual conflict or struggle
2
: the most advanced, responsible, or visible position in a field or activity

frontline

2 of 2

adjective

front·​line ˈfrənt-ˌlīn How to pronounce frontline (audio)
1
: relating to, being, or involved in a front line
frontline ambulances
2
: first-rate
frontline teachers
also : first-string
a frontline goalie

Examples of front line in a Sentence

Noun These researchers are on the front line of defense against cancer. She has been working on the front lines to educate the poor. Adjective if I'm having brain surgery, I want it done at a frontline hospital
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
Both African stars are signed through 2027 – Oshoala has a club option for that season – so the front line of Bay’s attack is set for several years. Michael Nowels, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024 At one stage in February, Camilla was the most senior working royal as the king was in the early stages of treatment and Kate was recovering from abdominal surgery, with Prince William also taking time out of front line duties to be by her side. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
Initial Western estimates put the size of the frontline Russian force in Ukraine at 120 battalion tactical groups, which would total at most 120,000 people. Barry R. Posen, Foreign Affairs, 8 July 2022 Also frontline medical personnel: doctors, nurses and others. Dr. Joel M. Rothaizer, McC, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for front line 

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1677, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

1914, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of front line was in 1677

Dictionary Entries Near front line

Cite this Entry

“Front line.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/front%20line. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

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!