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 lineages appear to have co-existed in the region for a time. —Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 5 Dec. 2025

With Kevin now charting solo, the Jonas Brothers join a lineage of sibling groups whose members have individually landed solo chart entries. —Xander Zellner, Billboard, 4 Dec. 2025

Lea Tupu’anga/Mother Tongue follows a young woman confronting the loss of language within her family lineage, only to find unexpected connection through memory, tradition, and the voices of those who came before. —Denise Petski, Deadline, 3 Dec. 2025

Support staff who can speak confidently about lineages. —Sara Payan, Rolling Stone, 3 Dec. 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