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

About 600,000 years ago, modern humans genetically diverged from the lineage that produced Neanderthals and Denisovans — our closest cousins in the family tree of human species. —Mindy Weisberger, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2025

Leatherwood's potential for success feels destined, inspired by the same spirits that shape his voice and performing style, fitting seamlessly into a five-decade lineage of country music history. —Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, 21 Aug. 2025

Perhaps the most significant discovery was 11 distinct lineages of Rakthamichthys eels, according to the study. —Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 20 Aug. 2025

What that means in practical software and data engineering terms is a set of processes and a platform approach dedicated to embedding quality, lineage policy and compliance signals into the absolute fabric of how agents access and use data. —Adrian Bridgwater, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 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