lineage

noun lin·e·age \ ˈli-nē-ij also ˈli-nij \

|Updated on: 18 Jun 2018

Definition of lineage

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

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Recent Examples of lineage from the Web

His golden headband suggests royal lineage, but researchers have been unable to determine which ancient leader the figure represents.

— meilan solly, Smithsonian, "Could This Sculpted Head Depict a Little-Known Biblical King?," 11 June 2018
That means these winning race horses likely come from lineages that exhibited both speed and stamina, as well as intelligence and good judgement.

— jennifer calfas, Time, "Justify Could Win the Triple Crown at the Belmont Stakes, But It's a Long Shot. Here's Why," 8 June 2018
My family is of Italian lineage, so this partnership makes me happy in my soul.

— refinery29.com, "This Designer Bike Is Almost Too Beautiful To Ride," 6 June 2018
The Boston University hockey program maintained the Terrier lineage by promoting former captain and associate head coach Albie O’Connell to replace David Quinn, who departed for the New York Rangers two weeks ago.

— mia berry, BostonGlobe.com, "Boston University introduces Albie O’Connell as new hockey coach," 6 June 2018
Despite occupying so much of the Earth, scientists have found gaps in its understanding of squamate lineage.

— laura yan, Popular Mechanics, "Meet the 240-Million-Year-Old "Mother of All Lizards"," 3 June 2018
The documents say that DNA testing resulted in identifying a relative and subsequent investigation into family lineage led to Mr. DeAngelo.

— zusha elinson, WSJ, "Secretly Collected DNA Led to Suspect’s Arrest in Golden State Killer Case," 1 June 2018
Lead study author Tiago Simões spent more than four years piecing together the squamate lineage.

— sarah gibbens, National Geographic, "World's Oldest Lizard Fossil Found—What You Need to Know," 31 May 2018
The paddlefish lineage in Montana goes back some 70 million years or more, and the species has been around for 200 million years.

— New York Times, "Hooking the Dinosaur of Fish," 26 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'lineage.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.