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

Emerging research shows a link between climate change and increasing straight-line wind speeds, according to Climate Central, a climate news and education nonprofit. —Julia James, Dallas Morning News, 24 Feb. 2026

Tornado damage often has a chaotic appearance, according to NWS, whereas straight-line winds usually uproot trees in the same direction. —Carol Kugler, IndyStar, 20 Feb. 2026

The team focused on printing a linear motor, which produces straight-line motion and is commonly used in robotics, optical systems, and conveyor belts. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 20 Feb. 2026

Standard tests, however, don’t account for rotational impacts, when your head hits at an angle, which is more common than a straight-line impact during a wipeout. —Adam Trenkamp, Outside, 16 Feb. 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