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

The clean, minimalist versions in the Philo lineage, think wool, clean seams, no hardware noise, are the ones that will age into wardrobe staples. — Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2026

Diana Almendariz Cultural practice is in Diana Almendariz’s passion and lineage. — The Sacramento Bee Staff, Sacbee.com, 1 Oct. 2026

Reeves formed the alternative-rock trio — completed by vocalist-guitarist Bret Domrose and drummer-actor Robert Mailhouse — in Los Angeles in the early 1990s, and the group has drawn on the same post-punk lineage Hook helped define. — Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 29 Sep. 2026

This year’s fans cheered on Backpack in the contest’s Instagram comments, noting his lineage and reputation as a gentle giant. — ABC News, 29 Sep. 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