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

Other new tweaks could also include changes to the use of active aerodynamics, such as making Straight Mode available at more points on the lap in qualifying to improve straight-line speed and potentially making its use unlimited. —Luke Smith, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026

The latter’s got the best straight-line speed and elusiveness of the group, but is also slight in frame, standing about 6-foot-even in stocking feet. —Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 5 Apr. 2026

Where spatial curvature is large, the deviations from straight-line paths are large, and the rate at which time passes can dilate significantly as well. —Big Think, 24 Mar. 2026

The main threat during the storms is straight-line wind gusts in excess of 60 mph. —Nick Lentz, CBS News, 16 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