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 gun's direct lineage is in the 1960s

—Erik Larson

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

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

Agriodontosaurus shows us that the earliest members of the lizard lineage were far more diverse and had a much broader range of feeding strategies than previously imagined. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 10 Sep. 2025

In Black fashion, Saunders represents a new generation, boldly carving space in luxury menswear while carrying forward the lineage of innovation and cultural pride. —Karissa Mitchell, Essence, 10 Sep. 2025

However, in the community of Seagrove in Randolph County, potters are making use of the land to bring their craft to the world, and many of them come from a lineage of potters before them. —Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 10 Sep. 2025

Some genetic studies suggest that the American lion diverged from the Eurasian cave lion lineage about 340,000 years ago, forming a unique North American branch of the lion family tree. —Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025

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