service-line
Definition
Noun (countable) - In tennis and similar racket sports: A "service-line" is a line drawn parallel to the net on each side of the court, marking the boundary within which a serve must land to be valid.
Usage Examples
- (The line that determines a valid serve in tennis.)
- (The ball landed within the correct area.)
- (The official verified the serve's position relative to the line.)
Advanced Usage
"inside the service-line": Refers to a serve that lands within the correct area of the court.
- The serve was called out because it landed outside the service-line. (The serve was invalid due to landing beyond the line.)
"service-line fault": A serve that fails to cross or land within the service-line boundaries.
- The player committed a service-line fault on his second serve. (He served the ball outside the valid area.)
Variants and Related Words
Service (noun): The act of hitting the ball to start a point in tennis.
- Her service was powerful and accurate. (Her serve was strong and precise.)
Line (noun): A long, narrow mark on a sports court used to define boundaries.
- The ball hit the line, so it was considered in. (The ball touched the boundary mark.)
Synonyms
- Serve line: (less common) The same as service-line.
- Baseline: (different meaning) The line at the back of the court, not the same as service-line.
Related Idioms
"Step over the service-line": To violate rules by crossing the line during a serve.
- The server was warned for stepping over the service-line. (He broke the rule by moving beyond the line.)
"Play the service-line": To aim a serve precisely at the service-line.
- He is skilled at playing the service-line to catch opponents off guard. (He serves accurately near the line.)