defensive line
noun/dɪˌfensɪv ˈlaɪn/
/dɪˌfensɪv ˈlaɪn/, /ˌdiːfensɪv ˈlaɪn/
(sport)- [countable] (in American football) the line of players from the team that does not have the ball who position themselves in front of the ball when it is on the ground before play starts again
- Aside from Strahan, the defensive line was disappointing last season.
Definitions on the go
Look up any word in the dictionary offline, anytime, anywhere with the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary app.
- [uncountable] the position of a player who plays on the defensive line
- They both have the physical skills to play defensive line in the National Football League.
compare offensive line
Check pronunciation:
defensive line