Phrase guide

in line

adj · adv · 8 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.

  • Canada, General-American, Received-Pronunciation: /ɪnˈlaɪ̯n/
  • Australian: /ɪnˈlɑ̟ɪ̯n/
  • Australian: /ɪnˈlɒ̈ɪ̯n/
  • Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
  • New-Zealand: /ɘnˈlɑ̟e̝n/
  • New-Zealand: /ɘnˈlɒ̈e̝n/
  • /ɪnˈlaːn/ Southern US, General South African, /aɪ̯/-ungliding
  • rhymes with -aɪn

1

adj

Meaning 1

Suitable or appropriate; keeping with expectations, norms, ideals, or rules.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: consistent, fitting, in step, commensurate, compatible, compliant, conformable, conformant, congruent, congruous, in line, proportionate, uniform, allowable, appropriate, apropos, apposite, apt, comely, correct, decorous, expedient, felicitous, fit, fit for purpose, gainand, idoneous, likely, meet, opportune, proper, right, seemly, sensible, sortable, suitable, tidy, up to standard

Antonyms: none provided

2

adj

Meaning 2

In a queue, waiting one's turn.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: on line

Antonyms: none provided

3

adj

Meaning 3

Of three or more objects, positioned in a straight line.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • Please stand in line for the pledge of allegiance.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

4

adj

Meaning 4

Assuming a position in the future.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, not-comparable

Examples

  • He's third in line to be president.
  • He's in line to be the fastest runner of all time.
  • He's in line to be the next champion.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

5

adv

Meaning 5

One behind another; in a queue.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: not-comparable

Examples

  • I'm waiting in line at the bakery.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

6

adjective satellite

Meaning 6

being next in a line of succession

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • he was in line for the presidency

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

7

adjective satellite

Meaning 7

awaiting something; especially something due

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • people were in line at the checkout counter
  • she was in line for promotion

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

8

adverb

Meaning 8

one behind another in a line or queue

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • they waited in line for the tickets

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

6 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: linjassa — appropriate to expectations
  • French: en règle — appropriate to expectations
  • Hungarian: összhangban — appropriate to expectations
  • Polish: odpowiedni — appropriate to expectations
  • Polish: właściwy — appropriate to expectations
  • Russian: соответствующий (sootvetstvujuščij) — appropriate to expectations