lineup
UK[ˈlaɪnʌp]US[ˈlaɪnˌʌp]
n
A list of the players taking part in a game, especially in a team sport.
n
A group of people or things assembled for a particular purpose, especially a group of suspects assembled for identification by a witness.
n
The arrangement or schedule of a series of events, performers, or items.
Morpheme Breakdown
line
up
line
arrangement in a row
up
completive/adverbial particle
Etymology
The compound noun 'lineup' is a modern formation from the phrasal verb 'to line up', meaning to arrange people or things in a row. The core element 'line' traces back to the Latin līnea, meaning a linen thread or string, which metaphorically extended to any long, thin mark or row. The particle 'up' is of Germanic origin, frequently used in English to form verbs and nouns indicating a state of assembly, preparation, or completeness. Thus, a 'lineup' logically denotes the completed result of arranging entities—be they athletes, suspects, or events—into a sequential order for a specific function.
Analysis
Structure: line (arrangement in a row) + up (completive/adverbial particle)
- line: From Old English līne (rope, series), from Latin līnea (linen thread, string). Functions as the core noun, denoting a linear arrangement or sequence.
- up: From Old English ūp (upward). Functions as an adverbial particle, often used in phrasal verbs and compounds to indicate completeness, readiness, or assembly.
Examples
The coach announced the starting lineup for the championship game.
The police asked the witness to view a lineup of possible suspects.
The festival boasts an impressive lineup of musical acts this summer.