lineage

1 of 2

noun (1)

lin·​e·​age ˈli-nē-ij 

also ˈli-nij

1

a

: descent in a line from a common progenitor

b

: derivation

… the brand's lineage as a leather goods company.

—Colleen Barry

2

: a group of individuals tracing descent from a common ancestor

especially : such a group of persons whose common ancestor is regarded as its founder

lineage

2 of 2

noun (2)

line·​age

less common spelling of linage

: the number of lines of printed or written matter

Synonyms of lineage

Noun (1)

• ancestry
• pedigree
• origin
• genealogy
• breeding

Examples of lineage in a Sentence

Noun (1)

his Italian lineage was very important to him

it is now generally accepted that the lineage of Thomas Jefferson includes black as well as white members

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Shaped by our lineage, our hair is undeniably beautiful. —Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2026

Last week, the fellows presented their culturally sustainable materials that center Black community histories and lineages for young learners ages 3-7. —Darcel Rockett, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026

Eli comes from a proud lineage of military service. —Ross Guidotti, CBS News, 27 Apr. 2026

On Thursday, there was a sale at Phillips in New York of works by Duchamp and the artists in his lineage, curated by Frances Naumann, a Duchamp expert who staged shows at his gallery in New York of the artist’s work. —Nate Freeman, Vanity Fair, 24 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

lineage

noun

lin·​eage

ˈlin-ē-ij

1

: the ancestors from whom a person is descended

2

: the people descended from the same ancestor

Medical Definition

lineage

noun

lin·​e·​age

ˈlin-ē-ij also ˈlin-ij

1

: descent in a line from a common progenitor

2

: a group of individuals descended from a common ancestor

replication in T cell lineages