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

The three celestial bodies will appear to be within a degree of each other, forming an almost perfect straight-line alignment for some and a tight triangle for others, depending on location. —Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025

Powerful straight-line winds that strafed Carmichael neighborhoods, toppling trees and sending roof shingles and patio furniture flying, blew in on the coattails of thunderstorms that struck the Sacramento area Tuesday. —Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 3 Sep. 2025

Russia's Pacific Fleet The straight-line distance between Provideniya and Alaska's mainland is approximately 170 miles, separated by the Bering Strait. —Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Aug. 2025

Theirs is a straight-line, measurable, and customized approach. —Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2025

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