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

Since the Bayreuth premiere of the Master’s valedictory Parsifal, in July 1882, and his death in Venice the following winter, a single question has plagued the Wagner widows and lineal descendants in charge of the festival. — Matthew Gurewitsch, Air Mail, 25 July 2026

Slope the Lines for Proper Drainage Patios and paths must slope 1/4 inch for every lineal foot to provide proper drainage. — Caitlin Sole, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 July 2026

In a fight that almost no one gave him a chance to win, the iconic kickboxer nearly defeated lineal heavyweight boxing champion, Oleksandr Usyk. — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 24 May 2026

That lineal route looked to add a red carpet after Chicago Fire went down to 10 men in the first half of Tuesday’s quarterfinal. — Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 9 July 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