1
a(1)
: of, relating to, resembling, or having a graph that is a line and especially a straight line : straight
(2)
: involving a single dimension
b(1)
: of the first degree with respect to one or more variables
(2)
: of, relating to, based on, or being linear equations, linear differential equations, linear functions, linear transformations, or linear algebra
c(1)
: characterized by an emphasis on line
linear art
(2)
: composed of simply drawn lines with little attempt at pictorial representation
linear script
d
: consisting of a straight chain of atoms
a linear molecule
2
: elongated with nearly parallel sides
linear leaf
see leaf illustration
3
: having or being a response or output that is directly proportional to the input
4
: of, relating to, or based or depending on sequential development
linear thinking
a linear narrative
lin·ear·i·ty
ˌlinēˈarətē also -ˈer- 
plural -es
: the quality or state of being linear: such as
a
: the condition of extending along or in a line
b
: one to one correspondence between diverse and often opposed elements
c
: the faithfulness with which an output signal of an electronic reproducing system reproduces an input signal
specifically
: the faithfulness with which the shape and arrangement of the elements in a television picture reproduce the shape and arrangement of the original televised image
Examples of linear in a Sentence
Adjective
a flat, almost linear horizon
the bullets from early firearms were notorious for not following a strictly linear path through the air
Recent Examples on the Web
Savannah Sicurella, AJC.com, 13 June 2026
The agency found that markets for streaming, linear TV and the development, production or distribution of films for theatrical release will not be harmed.
—Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 12 June 2026
During the projects, over 1,000 acres of trees will be planted, 55 acres of wetlands will be restored, 32,000 linear feet of streams will be restored, 40 rain gardens will be added to Maryland communities and agricultural runoff will be reduced.
—Kate Gray, CBS News, 12 June 2026
The lengthy statement cites a review of three major categories — streaming, linear television, and theatrical films — for potential anticompetitive behavior if the deal closes.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for linear
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Adjective
This includes streaming video on demand, linear television and studio production, distribution and development.
—Savannah Sicurella, AJC.com, 13 June 2026
The agency found that markets for streaming, linear TV and the development, production or distribution of films for theatrical release will not be harmed.
—Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 12 June 2026
During the projects, over 1,000 acres of trees will be planted, 55 acres of wetlands will be restored, 32,000 linear feet of streams will be restored, 40 rain gardens will be added to Maryland communities and agricultural runoff will be reduced.
—Kate Gray, CBS News, 12 June 2026
The lengthy statement cites a review of three major categories — streaming, linear television, and theatrical films — for potential anticompetitive behavior if the deal closes.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for linear
Cite this Entry
“Linear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/linear. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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