Definition

Noun: 1. The arrangement of people or vehicles in a line for the purpose of marching: This refers to the specific order, formation, or column in which a group is organized to move from one place to another, typically in a military or ceremonial context. 2. The route or path along which a column advances: This refers to the designated course, road, or direction that is to be followed during the march.

Usage Examples

• As the arrangement/formation:

  • The general inspected the troops and their line of march before the parade began.
  • The scouts formed a single-file line of march as they entered the narrow trail.

• As the route/path:

  • The map clearly showed the army's planned line of march through the valley.
  • Obstacles on the line of march caused significant delays for the advancing column.

Advanced Usage

• The term is primarily used in formal, historical, or military contexts to describe organized movement. It implies discipline and purpose.
• It can be used metaphorically to describe the planned progression or order of any organized group movement, though this is less common.
  • The protesters established a clear line of march from the park to the city hall.

Variants and Related Words

• Marching order (n): Often used synonymously to refer to the formation or arrangement for marching.
• Column (n): A body of troops or vehicles moving in a line, which constitutes a line of march.
• Route (n): A more general term for the path taken, which can be a component of the "line of march."

Synonyms

• Formation (for the arrangement sense).
• Route, path, course (for the path sense).
• Processional order.

Related Phrases/Idioms

• To fall into line of march: To assume one's assigned position within the marching column.
  • The soldiers quickly fell into line of march when the order was given.
• To disrupt the line of march: To interfere with or break the formation or progress of the marching column.
  • The fallen tree completely disrupted the unit's line of march.

Noun

1. the arrangement of people in a line for marching
2. the route along which a column advances