clothesline I. \ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷\noun : a line (as a length of cord or wire) stretched over some distance for hanging and drying clothes II. \ˈ ̷ ̷ ˌ ̷ ̷ \transitive verb Etymology:clothesline, noun : to knock down (as a football player) by catching by the neck with an outstretched arm • clotheslinenoun