Definitions

from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition.

  • noun A front or boundary, especially one between military, political, or ideological positions.
  • noun Football The linemen of a team.
  • noun Sports The players who play farthest forward, as in volleyball.
  • adjective Located or used at a military front.
  • adjective Of or relating to the most advanced or important position or activity in a field or undertaking.
  • adjective Of or relating to the frontline.
  • adjective Being a member of the regular team; first-string.
  • adjective Performing the most basic tasks or interacting directly with customers, patients, or clients.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • adjective military Located at a front
  • adjective Describing the most advanced or important
  • noun Alternative spelling of front line.

Etymologies

Sorry, no etymologies found.

Support

Help support Wordnik (and make this page ad-free) by adopting the word frontline.

Examples

  • The Nuggets 'thin frontline possibly got even thinner when Jefferson and Nene collided with less than a minute to play.

    USATODAY.com 2008

  • The 6-foot-8, 265-pounder will be inserted into the starting lineup and will be asked to anchor the frontline from the outset.

    Big East takes top spot in recruiting rankings 2007

  • The Bucks were able to get several easy baskets inside as they exploited Cleveland's thin frontline, especially Williams, who blasted down the lane for baskets without any defenders in his path.

    USATODAY.com 2007

  • But a return to the frontline is totally unrealistic.

    The Flaws of Mark Oaten's Rehabilitation Plans 2006

  • Having served in frontline prosecutor positions with the federal government, we recognize the great importance of having Supreme Court Justices of great legal acumen, good judgment, and personal decency as well as the ability to construe and apply the law fairly and impartially.

    Is That Legal?: Supreme Court Archives 2006

  • Paying down the debt will free up money and it will allow us flexibility to invest in frontline services such as health care, education or the building of strong communities.

    My Vision for Ontario 2002

  • Their frontline is the best in the league, so a win here really builds the team's confidence.

    National Basketball Association - Magic vs. Spurs 2001

  • The government has written to ACE asking them to pass on cuts of only 15% to the "frontline" - which it defines as ACE's portfolio of regularly funded organisations.

    The Guardian World News 2010

  • As all of us who work in frontline service know, it’s not that they CAN’T work, they choose not to work, bringing up any excuse imaginable to get out if any personal responsibilty on the matter.

    Locally Elected Police Chiefs, Yeah? « POLICE INSPECTOR BLOG Inspector Gadget 2010

  • The people who aren’t in frontline Policing fill in their OT forms and that’s it – fill yer boots.

    Inspector Gadget RANTS about ‘car chases’ SHOCK! « POLICE INSPECTOR BLOG Inspector Gadget 2010

Comments

Log in or sign up to get involved in the conversation. It's quick and easy.