the poverty line
noun
: the level of income that makes it possible for a person to pay for basic food, clothing, and shelter
families living below/at the poverty line
Examples of the poverty line in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
New Yorkers living below the poverty line, African-American, Latinos, LGBTQ individuals, and those suffering mental health disorders are all more likely to smoke cigarettes.
—
Edgar Domenech, New York Daily News, 3 Mar. 2025
One in five Fairhaven residents lives below the poverty line, according to the latest Census data.
—Jaime Moore-Carrillo, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Feb. 2025
Other counties limit eligibility to 185% of the poverty line, or about $49,000 for a family of three.
—Nick Coltrain, The Denver Post, 16 Feb. 2025
Growing up in a house where both of her parents’ income was below the poverty line, Katherine’s success was far from predetermined, and her focus was split between her growth and caring for her siblings.
—Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for the poverty line
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Edgar Domenech, New York Daily News, 3 Mar. 2025
One in five Fairhaven residents lives below the poverty line, according to the latest Census data.
—Jaime Moore-Carrillo, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Feb. 2025
Other counties limit eligibility to 185% of the poverty line, or about $49,000 for a family of three.
—Nick Coltrain, The Denver Post, 16 Feb. 2025
Growing up in a house where both of her parents’ income was below the poverty line, Katherine’s success was far from predetermined, and her focus was split between her growth and caring for her siblings.
—Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for the poverty line
Cite this Entry
“The poverty line.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20poverty%20line. Accessed 20 Mar. 2025.
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