The term "poverty line" refers to a specific income level that is used as a benchmark to determine whether an individual or family lives in poverty. This line can vary depending on factors such as location, household size and composition, but generally represents the minimum amount of income required for basic necessities like food, shelter, and clothing. When someone's annual income falls below this threshold, they are considered to be living in poverty. The concept of a "poverty line" is often used by governments and organizations as a tool for measuring poverty rates and developing policies aimed at reducing poverty levels within society.