linemen
Noun 1. The football players who line up on the line of scrimmage: In American or Canadian football, the linemen are the offensive or defensive players whose starting position is directly on the line of scrimmage at the start of a play.
The term "linemen" specifically refers to the collective group of these players on a team. It is a plural noun. * The offensive linemen (such as the center, guards, and tackles) protect the quarterback and create paths for the running back. * The defensive linemen (such as defensive ends and defensive tackles) try to tackle the quarterback or stop the running back.
- The team's success depends heavily on the strength and skill of its linemen.
- The defensive linemen broke through the offensive line to sack the quarterback.
- He was recruited to play college football as one of the offensive linemen.
- In the trenches: This idiom is often used to describe the physical, close-quarters battle between offensive and defensive linemen.
- The game will be won or lost in the trenches, where the linemen compete.
- Lineman (singular noun): One player who plays on the line of scrimmage.
- He is the best offensive lineman in the league.
- Offensive line (noun): The unit of offensive linemen.
- Defensive line (noun): The unit of defensive linemen.
- Front line players: A general term for players positioned at the forefront of the formation.
- Trench warriors: An informal, descriptive synonym emphasizing the physical nature of their position.
The definition provided is specific to American/Canadian football. In other contexts, "linemen" can have different primary meanings: * Utility workers: People who install or repair electrical or telephone lines. * The storm brought down the poles, so the linemen worked through the night to restore power. When discussing football, the context usually makes the intended meaning clear.
- the football players who line up on the line of scrimmage