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

According to The New York Times, their family lineage traces back to General Lew Morris, who signed the Declaration of Independence, and former United States Minister to France Gouverneur Morris. —Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025

The preference for sons is rooted in a patriarchal structure where boys are expected to carry on the family lineage, inherit property, and perform essential last rites for their parents. —Aishwarya S. Iyer, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2025

The Cincinnati Museum Center just confirmed her lineage and has the DNA and documents to prove it. —Patricia Gallagher Newberry, Cincinnati Enquirer, 14 Oct. 2025

There’s an interesting intersection of influence and lineage represented in history and on the album for KISS fans. —Chris Willman, Variety, 13 Oct. 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