linesman

[lahynz-muhn]

noun

plural

linesmen 

1. Sports.

   1. an official, as in tennis and soccer, who assists the referee.

   2. Football.,  an official who marks the distances gained and lost in the progress of play and otherwise assists the referee and field judge.

   3. Ice Hockey.,  either of two officials who assist the referee by watching for icing, offside, and substitution violations and fouls and by conducting face-offs.

2. lineman.

linesman

/ ˈlaɪnzmən /

noun

1. an official who helps the referee or umpire in various sports, esp by indicating when the ball has gone out of play

2. US and Canadian name: lineman. a person who installs, maintains, or repairs telephone or electric-power lines

Word History and Origins

Origin of linesman¹

First recorded in 1855–60; line ¹ + 's ¹ + -man

Example Sentences

"In, out... there's no mistake, nothing happening. Definitely you've got to feel for those linesmen and those people. That's a bit tough for them, but it's pretty black or white with the calling."

From BBC

"When the computer makes a decision, you have no one to point the finger at. It's more of a guess. I don't know how the linesman makes a conclusive decision."

From BBC

It said the team of three overhead linesmen and two vehicles left the Channel Islands to assist on Saturday.

From BBC

I had a pop at the linesman in the second half over an offside call and gave him a bit of stick.

From BBC

A former football manager has been handed a suspended prison sentence after a linesman was punched during a match.

From BBC