front line

1 of 2

noun

1
a
: a military line formed by the most advanced tactical combat units
b
: an area of potential or actual conflict or struggle
2
: the most advanced, responsible, or visible position in a field or activity

frontline

2 of 2

adjective

front·​line ˈfrənt-ˌlīn How to pronounce frontline (audio)
1
: relating to, being, or involved in a front line
frontline ambulances
2
: first-rate
frontline teachers
also : first-string
a frontline goalie

Examples of front line in a Sentence

Noun These researchers are on the front line of defense against cancer. She has been working on the front lines to educate the poor. Adjective if I'm having brain surgery, I want it done at a frontline hospital
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
As the reach and intensity of extreme weather events increase, communities that were once considered relatively safe are finding themselves on the front lines of catastrophe. Trevor Riggen, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025 The temporary truce did not include any protections for troops fighting on the front lines or for Ukrainian civilians who continue to live through Russia’s constant aerial bombardments. Caitlin McFall, Fox News, 19 Mar. 2025
Adjective
Part of a new generation of frontline Democrats, Deluzio talked to TIME about where his party went wrong with his voters and how to win them back. Charlotte Alter, TIME, 7 Mar. 2025 There was criticism from frontline European states who were not invited, with one senior Baltic official saying that Mr. Macron’s initiative splits the unity of the European Union, and that the meeting should have been called by President António Costa of the European Council, not by Mr. Macron. Catherine Porter, New York Times, 17 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for front line

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1677, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

1914, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of front line was in 1677

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Front line.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/front%20line. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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