lineal

adjective

lin·​e·​al ˈli-nē-əl 

1

: linear

2

: composed of or arranged in lines

3

a

: consisting of or being in a direct male or female line of ancestry compare collateral sense 2

b

: relating to or derived from ancestors : hereditary

c

: descended in a direct line

4

a

: belonging to one lineage

lineal relatives

b

: of, relating to, or dealing with a lineage

lineality

ˌli-nē-ˈa-lə-tē 

noun

lineally

ˈli-nē-ə-lē 

adverb

Examples of lineal in a Sentence

He claims that he is a lineal descendent of a famous military hero.

Recent Examples on the Web

Francis Ngannou walked away from the promotion, which stole away the UFC’s hold on the lineal title. —Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 22 June 2025

And the Open Cup package could provide an on-ramp for CBS to get more acquainted with MLS fans and clubs, and vice versa, before MLS may be looking for a new lineal TV deal in 2026. —Ian Nicholas Quillen, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025

In his second stint, Foreman went on to win the unified WBA, IBF, and lineal heavyweight championship titles. —Ryan Morik, Fox News, 22 Mar. 2025

The winners of the tournaments will be separate from the Champions Series, which focuses on a more lineal champion concept. —Brian Mazique, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for lineal

• finial
• matrilineal
• patrilineal

Kids Definition

lineal

adjective

lin·​eal

ˈlin-ē-əl

1

: linear

lineal measure

2

a

: consisting of or being in a direct line of descent

b

: hereditary sense 3

lineally

-ē-ə-lē

adverb

Legal Definition

lineal

adjective

lin·​e·​al ˈli-nē-əl 

: consisting of or being in a direct male or female line of ancestry

a lineal descendant

compare collateral sense 2