1
a
: having a reputation or authority based on length or proven quality of service
an old-line firm
b
: of established prestige and influence
old-line families
2
: adhering to traditional policies or practices : conservative

Examples of old-line in a Sentence

an old-line professor who still taught as if it were 1930
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.
Among the festival organizers, Yarrow was an advocate for the topical songwriting and contemporary sounds that some old-line folk aficionados resisted. Jon Pareles, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2025 Among the festival organizers, Yarrow was an advocate for the topical songwriting and contemporary sounds that some old-line folk aficionados resisted. Jon Pareles, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1803, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of old-line was in 1803

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Cite this Entry

“Old-line.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/old-line. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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