1
a(1)
: of, relating to, resembling, or having a graph that is a line and especially a straight line : straight
(2)
: involving a single dimension
b(1)
: of the first degree with respect to one or more variables
(2)
: of, relating to, based on, or being linear equations, linear differential equations, linear functions, linear transformations, or linear algebra
c(1)
: characterized by an emphasis on line
linear art
(2)
: composed of simply drawn lines with little attempt at pictorial representation
linear script
d
: consisting of a straight chain of atoms
a linear molecule
2
: elongated with nearly parallel sides
linear leaf
see leaf illustration
3
: having or being a response or output that is directly proportional to the input
4
: of, relating to, or based or depending on sequential development
linear thinking
a linear narrative
Synonyms
Examples of linear in a Sentence
a flat, almost linear horizon
the bullets from early firearms were notorious for not following a strictly linear path through the air
Recent Examples on the Web
The company said overall ad revenue grew 6%, to $785 million, reflecting 2% growth in the U.S. thanks to a rise in sponsorship for the company’s streaming properties and a 13% increase in Mexico, largely for linear media.
—
Brian Steinberg, Variety, 23 July 2024
The team found that they are caused by a process known as linear superposition, in which two wave systems cross and amplify each other.
—Michael Franco, New Atlas, 19 July 2024
Streaming figures for the show don’t include linear viewing on HBO.
—Rick Porter, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 July 2024
As outlined in the constitution of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the throne is hereditary to King Abdullah Ibn Al-Hussein’s dynasty and passes in linear succession through the men.
—Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 18 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for linear 
Brian Steinberg, Variety, 23 July 2024
The team found that they are caused by a process known as linear superposition, in which two wave systems cross and amplify each other.
—Michael Franco, New Atlas, 19 July 2024
Streaming figures for the show don’t include linear viewing on HBO.
—Rick Porter, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 July 2024
As outlined in the constitution of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the throne is hereditary to King Abdullah Ibn Al-Hussein’s dynasty and passes in linear succession through the men.
—Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 18 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for linear
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'linear.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near linear
Cite this Entry
“Linear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/linear. Accessed 27 Jul. 2024.
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