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
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 Kill Bill-like premise delivered on the action, while also telling a non-linear, moving story about the complicated connection between Hye-jun and Jin-man (Lee Dong-wook), the uncle who raised her after the mysterious murders of her parents.
—
Kayti Burt, Time, 14 Jan. 2026
An industry report from Irirangi Te Motu last year covering 2024 showed linear TV channels such as pubcaster TVNZ and Sky’s Three still has the widest reach (84% of viewers), with global video platforms such as YouTube and TikTok not far behind (64%) and subscription streamers at 56%.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 14 Jan. 2026
Integrated linear actuators provide high power density with low noise, supporting stable, agile, and coordinated whole-body movement.
—Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 13 Jan. 2026
In Kozuka’s non-linear thinking, both elements reminded him of everyone’s journey back home — or, symbolically, a return to one’s roots.
—Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 13 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for linear
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Kayti Burt, Time, 14 Jan. 2026
An industry report from Irirangi Te Motu last year covering 2024 showed linear TV channels such as pubcaster TVNZ and Sky’s Three still has the widest reach (84% of viewers), with global video platforms such as YouTube and TikTok not far behind (64%) and subscription streamers at 56%.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 14 Jan. 2026
Integrated linear actuators provide high power density with low noise, supporting stable, agile, and coordinated whole-body movement.
—Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 13 Jan. 2026
In Kozuka’s non-linear thinking, both elements reminded him of everyone’s journey back home — or, symbolically, a return to one’s roots.
—Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 13 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for linear
Cite this Entry
“Linear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/linear. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.
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