linear

adjective

lin·​e·​ar ˈli-nē-ər How to pronounce linear (audio)
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
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
linearity noun
linearly 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Glorious Heyday Of A-To-B Thinking For generations, linear thinking reigned supreme. Lee Salisbury, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025 The linear demand for MLS just isn’t there in terms of the financials. Richard Deitsch, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025 During its linear run on BET in early 2025, the show ranked as the No. 1 new series on cable among Black viewers year-to-date and topped key demos, including Black adults 18-49 and 25-54, and total Black viewers 2+, according to Nielsen. Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 28 Apr. 2025 Gordon is tight-hipped and forced to run linear tracks. Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 26 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for linear

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1656, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Time Traveler
The first known use of linear was circa 1656

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Linear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/linear. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

linear

adjective
lin·​ear
ˈlin-ē-ər
1
a
: relating to, consisting of, or resembling a line : straight
b
: involving a single dimension
c
: of, relating to, based on, or being linear equations or linear functions
2
: long and uniformly narrow
the linear leaf of the hyacinth
linearity
ˌlin-ē-ˈar-ət-ē
noun
linearly
ˈlin-ē-ər-lē
adverb

Medical Definition

linear

adjective
lin·​ear ˈlin-ē-ər How to pronounce linear (audio)
: of, relating to, or resembling a line
linearity noun
plural linearities
linearly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on linear

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