line-item veto noun1 •The power of an executive in government to nullify or cancel specific provisions of a bill, usually budget appropriations, without vetoing the entire legislative package.The West Wing, Season 2, Episode 18, Josh I'm sorry the speaker isn't here; he's up on the hill on last-minute negotiations. He's going over his prenup and wants a line-item veto. formsline-item vetoes · line-item vetos