redline

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redline

/ˈɹɛd.laɪn/

Rhymes with -ɛdlaɪn

Where it comes from

From red + line, originating with the frequent use of red pen or pencil to mark corrections on drawings and documents (1), and the red markings on a tachometer (2).

noun redlines

A drawing, document, etc. that has been marked for correction or modification.
The maximum speed, temperature, pressure, etc., at which a device (such as the engine in a car, aircraft, etc.) is designed to operate.

verb redlines · redlining · redlined

To mark a drawing or document for correction or modification.
To operate a device at one or more redlines.
To run an internal combustion engine to its maximum or maximum recommended speed.
Canada, US To deny or complicate access to services (such as banking, insurance, or healthcare) to residents in specific, often racially determined, areas. Already ‘redlined’ by profit-hungry telcos, the inhabitants of poor inner city areas can be shut out of the new on-line services through lack of money.
Opposite: greenline
To achieve audio levels that will cause clipping (indicated by red in an audio meter).

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MLA

"redline." Wiktionary, via Micwyn, micwyn.com/word/redline. Accessed 6 Nov. 2026.

APA

redline. (n.d.). In Wiktionary, via Micwyn. Retrieved November 6, 2026, from https://micwyn.com/word/redline

Chicago

"redline." Wiktionary, via Micwyn. Accessed November 6, 2026. https://micwyn.com/word/redline.

BibTeX

@misc{redline_2026,
  title = {redline},
  howpublished = {Wiktionary, via Micwyn},
  year = {2026},
  url = {https://micwyn.com/word/redline},
  urldate = {2026-11-06}
}