Definition

1. Noun:
   • A line giving the name of the writer of a story or article: A brief acknowledgment, typically printed in a newspaper, magazine, or on a photograph, that identifies the author, photographer, or source of the material.
   • The maximum credit that a customer is allowed: The maximum amount of money a financial institution or lender agrees to lend to a borrower, or the maximum amount a customer can spend using a credit card or line of credit.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Attribution):
  • The photo was published with the credit line "Photo by Jane Doe."
  • Always include a proper credit line when using someone else's work.
• Noun (Financial Limit):
  • Her new credit card has a credit line of $10,000.
  • The bank increased the business's credit line to help with expansion.

Advanced Usage

• "To get a credit line": To be approved for a loan or credit arrangement where funds can be drawn upon as needed, up to a set limit.
  • The small business worked hard to get a credit line from the local bank.
• "Under the credit line": Published or used with the specified attribution.
  • The image appears under the credit line of the Associated Press.

Variants and Related Words

• Byline (n): A line at the beginning of an article naming the author. (This is a specific type of credit line for authorship).
  • The journalist was thrilled to see her byline on the front page.
• Line of credit (n): A financial arrangement specifying the maximum loan amount a customer can borrow. (This is synonymous with the financial meaning of "credit line").
  • They used their home equity line of credit for renovations.

Synonyms

• Attribution: The act of ascribing a work to its creator. (For the authorship meaning).
• Credit limit: The maximum amount that can be charged to a credit account. (For the financial meaning).

Related Phrases

• Extend a credit line: To increase the maximum amount of credit available to a borrower.
  • Due to her excellent payment history, the bank decided to extend her credit line.
• Max out a credit line: To borrow or spend up to the maximum allowed limit.
  • It's not advisable to max out your credit line as it can hurt your credit score.

Noun

1. a line giving the name of the writer of a story or article
2. the maximum credit that a customer is allowed