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

In her three seasons with the Minnesota Lynx, the Italian forward was relegated to catch-and-shoot 3-pointers, curling jumpers and occasional straight-line drives to the basket. —Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2025

Those words are equally relevant today, as the Divo remains a milestone in combining straight-line performance with lateral dynamics. —Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 11 Aug. 2025

In addition to freeing the motors and battery from all restraint, Velocity Max delivers launch control for ultimate straight-line performance. —Mark Phelan, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2025

Due date for individuals and businesses affected by wildfires and straight-line winds in southern California that began on January 7, 2025. —Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 9 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