straight-line

adjective

ˈstrāt-ˈlīn 

1

: being a mechanical linkage or equivalent device designed to produce or copy motion in a straight line

2

: having the principal parts arranged in a straight line

3

: marked by a uniform spread and especially in equal segments over a given term

straight-line amortization

straight-line depreciation

4

: occurring, measured, or made in or along a straight line

straight-line motion

straight-line extrapolation

Examples of straight-line in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Buzelis pounced on straight-line drives when defenders flew at him on the perimeter, then stepped behind screens to pull 3-point shots. —Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026

The ’90s heartthrob bob Jaw-skimming or shorter, this is a straight-line bob where the edges have been ever so slightly softened with a razor for an undone finish. —Fiona Embleton, Glamour, 6 Mar. 2026

Other risks include straight-line wind and hail. —Dale Denwalt, Oklahoman, 6 Mar. 2026

The primary threats will shift toward straight-line winds, with a brief tornado possible. —Robert A. Cronkleton march 6, Kansas City Star, 6 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1772, in the meaning defined at sense 4

Rhymes for straight-line

• affine
• airline
• align
• aline
• assign
• baseline
• beamline
• benign
• bloodline
• bovine
• byline
• canine

Legal Definition

straight-line

adjective

: marked by equal payments over a given term

using the straight-line method of depreciation