Definition

A person who works on installing or fixing electrical or communication lines, such as telephone or power lines, or a player positioned on the forward line in football.

Example

The lineman climbed the pole to repair the power lines after the storm.

Conversation

Did you see how that lineman blocked the defender last night?

Yeah, it was impressive how he held his ground!

I always thought being a lineman was one of the toughest jobs in football.

Definitely! They have to be strong and strategic at the same time.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Lineman → It is formed from "line" (from Old English "līn", meaning a cord or string) and "man" (from Old English "mann", meaning a person). A lineman is a person who works with lines, particularly in the context of electrical or telecommunications work.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'cord' or 'string' ('line') that a person ('man') works with — that's why a lineman is someone who works with lines.

Visually Confused Words