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Glite Dictionary
🛡️ Defensive players 🎸 Stage equipment
backline

backline

5.6
Onstage musical equipment like amplifiers and drums provided for performers
  • noun
  • /ˈbækˌlaɪn/
  • Jargon
translation icon : equipamiento
  • She requested a specific amplifier in the backline for her guitar solo.

Examples

  • Each festival stage had a different backline setup for the musicians.

  • The band arrived early to check the backline before their performance.

  • The backline was set up before the concert started.

  • We need to check the backline for any issues.

  • The band arrived early to check the backline before their performance.

  • Each festival stage had a different backline setup for the musicians.

  • She requested a specific amplifier in the backline for her guitar solo.

Surface Forms

backline singular
backlines plural

Morphology

backline = back + line (semi-transparent) = back + line

Although formed from 'back' + 'line', the sense referring to stage equipment is a specialized extension and not directly inferable by average learners.

Etymology

Backline also comes from back ('rear') and line ('row') and is used in music to mean the row of instruments, amps and other equipment at the back of a stage, which is why bands check the backline before a show.