hard lines

plural noun

chiefly British
: hard luck
—often used interjectionally

Examples of hard lines in a Sentence

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.
That matters because a voice can qualify as biometric data, and the EU AI Act draws hard lines around what may be inferred from it. — Vivek Thomas, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026 The hard lines of the boot give a cool contrast to the carefree boho vibe of the knits. — Drew Elovitz, InStyle, 28 July 2026 Designed to minimize hard lines to invoke the feeling of being in nature, the spa will feature seven massage rooms and 11 stations for hair, makeup and nails. — R. Christian Smith, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2026 In today’s political climate, there’s pressure to draw hard lines and refuse any cooperation. — Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 20 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for hard lines

Word History

First Known Use

1824, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hard lines was in 1824

Rhymes for hard lines

See All Rhymes for hard lines

Browse Nearby Words

hard-liner
hard lines
hard liquor
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hard lines.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hard%20lines. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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