straight-line

adjective

ˈstrāt-ˈlīn 

1

: being a mechanical linkage or equivalent device designed to produce or copy motion in a straight line

2

: having the principal parts arranged in a straight line

3

: marked by a uniform spread and especially in equal segments over a given term

straight-line amortization

straight-line depreciation

4

: occurring, measured, or made in or along a straight line

straight-line motion

straight-line extrapolation

Examples of straight-line in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The device helped establish key ideas about straight-line light propagation and image formation. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 16 Aug. 2026

The governor expects to declare a state of emergency for the entire state, as some families are dealing with damage from the straight-line winds and flooding. — Marissa Sulek, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026

To keep your tan realistic, the experts recommend you not use your hands and avoid any straight-line motions, as these can cause streaks. — Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 13 Aug. 2026

Though the destruction can be similar to tornados, derechos usually follow a straight-line path, according to the National Weather Service. — Aubrey Wright, IndyStar, 12 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1772, in the meaning defined at sense 4

Rhymes for straight-line

• affine
• airline
• align
• aline
• assign
• baseline
• beamline
• benign
• bloodline
• bovine
• brucine
• byline

Legal Definition

straight-line

adjective

: marked by equal payments over a given term

using the straight-line method of depreciation