linear

adjective

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lin·e·ar | \ ˈli-nē-ər

Definition of linear

1a(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

Other Words from linear Synonyms More Example Sentences Phrases Containing linear Learn More About linear

Other Words from linear

linearity \ ˌli-nē-ˈer-ə-tē

, -ˈa-rə- \ noun

linearly \ ˈli-nē-ər-lē

\ adverb

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 Here’s the other thing about continuous or linear flow of information: there is loss. — Caroline Delbert, Popular Mechanics, 29 Apr. 2022 The two most popular styles of training in powerlifting are conjugate and linear. — Roger Lockridge, Men's Health, 26 Apr. 2022 The story almost feels too linear for its visions: The attractive shock of the design demands plotless immersion — but wait, there’s an incesty plot-twist to get to, and wait, some of those people lurking in the background have got to die first. — K. Austin Collins, Rolling Stone, 21 Apr. 2022 Using Total Audience Delivery (TAD) metrics, which combine traditional linear television ratings on the NBC network along with digital ratings from NBC’s Peacock streaming service have produced some impressive numbers to start the 2022 season. — Bruce Martin, Forbes, 15 Apr. 2022 No one expects traditional linear television to disappear (after all, there will always be advertisers looking to sell their products — and news audiences to rile up). — Brian Raftery, EW.com, 29 Mar. 2022 Additionally, the western drama is also the only series representing linear television. — Jenelle Riley, Variety, 17 Feb. 2022 Throttle response is satisfyingly linear, and the gear lever clack-clacks across the open gate in trad Ferrari style. — Tim Pitt, Robb Report, 16 Apr. 2022 Keep in mind that your child's progress may not be linear, and avoid getting too attached to a particular date for taking them home. — Stephanie H. Murray, The Week, 12 Apr. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'linear.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.