Pronunciation: [ɹˈʌn lˈa͡ɪnz] (IPA) 
The word "run lines" is spelled using two separate words, with each word pronounced separately. The IPA phonetic transcription for "run" is /rʌn/ and for "lines" is /laɪnz/. The word "run" is pronounced with a short "u" sound and a nasal consonant sound while "lines" is pronounced with a long "i" sound and a voiced "z" sound. Together, the words refer to the lines on a theatrical stage that actors follow during their performance.
Run lines refer to the markings on a sports field or court that indicate designated paths or boundaries for players, particularly in sports such as baseball, softball, and hockey. These lines are used to guide players and officials during gameplay and ensure fair play.
In baseball and softball, run lines are a vital component of the field, consisting of four bases, a pitcher's mound, and guidelines that mark the foul lines. These lines determine the fair or foul territory of a hit ball and assist umpires in making accurate calls. Additionally, run lines help players navigate the field, indicating the path they must take while running between bases to score runs.
Similarly, in hockey, run lines are the markings on the rink that define the boundaries for play. They delineate the area where players are allowed to handle the puck, known as the offensive, defensive, and neutral zones. Run lines are crucial for teams to strategize their gameplay and follow the rules of the sport.
Overall, run lines serve as essential navigational aids on sports fields and courts, dictating the boundaries of fair play and guiding players in their movements. They contribute to the fairness, structure, and organization of various sports, facilitating gameplay and ensuring that teams and players understand and operate within the specified parameters.
The term run lines typically refers to the practice of rehearsing or memorizing lines in the context of theater or film. It does not have a specific etymology as a standalone phrase.
However, the verb run in this context means to perform or rehearse, while lines refer to the dialogue or script to be remembered. Therefore, the etymology of the term can be traced back to the individual meanings of the words run and lines.
