line of sight

noun phrase

1

: a line from an observer's eye to a distant point

2

: the line between two points

specifically : the straight path between a transmitting antenna (as for radio or television signals) and a receiving antenna when unobstructed by the horizon

Examples of line of sight in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Since radio signals require a clear line of sight, obstacles like buildings or mountains can block communication. —Barry Cousins, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025

At the prosecutor’s request, the space in front of her was left empty, giving her a direct line of sight to the witness stand. —Lola Fadulu, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2025

Fisher and Walters are accused of having a clear line of sight to Brooks, but failing to attempt to stop the beatings or shield him. —Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 20 Feb. 2025

The helicopter asked the controller for permission to use visual separation, a method intended to allow pilots to navigate an airspace while keeping a constant line of sight to another plane nearby. —Emily Steel, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1559, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for line of sight

• actinolite
• adipocyte
• amphibolite
• anorthosite
• anthophyllite
• aragonite
• carbonatite
• cassiterite
• cristobalite
• crocidolite
• diatomite
• dithionite

Medical Definition

line of sight

noun

1

: a line from an observer's eye to a distant point

2

: line of vision