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
Examples of linear in a Sentence
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
Integrated linear actuators provide high power density with low noise, supporting stable, agile, and coordinated whole-body movement.
—
Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 13 Jan. 2026
In Kozuka’s non-linear thinking, both elements reminded him of everyone’s journey back home — or, symbolically, a return to one’s roots.
—Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 13 Jan. 2026
Buffalo, New York’s Anchor Bar has laid its claim to the most famous chicken wing in America, but as with many beloved creations, the history is not so linear.
—Matt Moore, Southern Living, 13 Jan. 2026
Impressively, Newcastle have reached mid-January still fighting — and, in a roundabout way, even (arguably) thriving — on all four fronts, albeit in a non-linear and rarely convincing fashion.
—Chris Waugh, New York Times, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for linear
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Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 13 Jan. 2026
In Kozuka’s non-linear thinking, both elements reminded him of everyone’s journey back home — or, symbolically, a return to one’s roots.
—Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 13 Jan. 2026
Buffalo, New York’s Anchor Bar has laid its claim to the most famous chicken wing in America, but as with many beloved creations, the history is not so linear.
—Matt Moore, Southern Living, 13 Jan. 2026
Impressively, Newcastle have reached mid-January still fighting — and, in a roundabout way, even (arguably) thriving — on all four fronts, albeit in a non-linear and rarely convincing fashion.
—Chris Waugh, New York Times, 12 Jan. 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 15 Jan. 2026.
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