assembly-line

1 of 2

adjective

as·​sem·​bly-line ə-ˈsem-blē-ˌlīn 

: made by or as if by an assembly line

especially : lacking originality or creativity

bored by the novel's assembly-line plot

assembly line

2 of 2

noun

1

: an arrangement of machines, equipment, and workers in which work passes from operation to operation in direct line until the product is assembled

2

: a process for turning out a finished product in a mechanically efficient manner

academic assembly lines

Examples of assembly-line in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Tropical storms have spawned in what seems like assembly-line fashion in recent weeks, as El Nino conditions that emerged in June have caused waters to grow warmer than normal, setting off a chain of unusual weather around much of the world. — John Raby, Chicago Tribune, 25 Sep. 2026

An assembly-line approach Conventional nuclear plants require massive, bespoke civil engineering works constructed entirely on site. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 23 Sep. 2026

Noun

Easing human tasks Hyundai expects Atlas robots to enter component assembly lines within the decade, laying the framework for broader industrial adoption. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 28 Sep. 2026

The giardiniera is then sent in large buckets to another assembly line where the finished product is deposited in 16-ounce bottles for retail sale at Jewel, Mariano’s, Walmart, Target and other stores, mostly in Chicago and the Great Lakes region. — Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 23 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1925, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1914, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for assembly-line

• aconitine
• anopheline
• antipyrine
• bromocriptine
• chlorhexidine
• clomipramine
• creatinine
• desipramine
• guanethidine
• heterodyne
• imipramine
• meperidine

Kids Definition

assembly line

noun

: an arrangement of machines, equipment, and workers in which work passes from operation to operation in direct line until the product is assembled