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
Xavier Legette was fast in the NFL Scouting Combine in 2024 but hasn’t been able to showcase that linear speed much in his two years in the NFL.
—
Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 25 Apr. 2026
Two double balance wheels inclined at 30 degrees dominate the lower half, with the upper half featuring a subdial for the running seconds, a four-minute indicator for the differential that supplies power to the two balances, and a linear power display.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 25 Apr. 2026
There was an emotional honesty that embraced the idea that growth isn’t always linear (see Andie from The Devil Wears Prada, fumbling a relationship with a good guy because her career came first).
—Literary Hub, 24 Apr. 2026
After decades on the margins of art history, Jimmy Tsutomu Mirikitani—a collagist of singular, inimitable vision—is finally having his story told, though not in any linear fashion.
—Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for linear
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Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 25 Apr. 2026
Two double balance wheels inclined at 30 degrees dominate the lower half, with the upper half featuring a subdial for the running seconds, a four-minute indicator for the differential that supplies power to the two balances, and a linear power display.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 25 Apr. 2026
There was an emotional honesty that embraced the idea that growth isn’t always linear (see Andie from The Devil Wears Prada, fumbling a relationship with a good guy because her career came first).
—Literary Hub, 24 Apr. 2026
After decades on the margins of art history, Jimmy Tsutomu Mirikitani—a collagist of singular, inimitable vision—is finally having his story told, though not in any linear fashion.
—Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 24 Apr. 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 2 May. 2026.
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