DictionarylineSpoken or written expression
noun

line

A short passage of spoken or written words.

The actor forgets his next line and pauses awkwardly onstage.

Etymology

A line can be one row of writing. The word extended from that visible row to a short passage of language, including words spoken rather than written.

More examples

  • Please read the opening lines of the poem.
  • She added a handwritten line at the bottom.
  • He rehearsed his lines before the audition.

Forms

line · lines

Similar words

passage
Usually a longer stretch of speech or writing.
sentence
A sentence is a grammatical unit rather than a line defined by layout or delivery.