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

Moore, a six-year veteran, impressed Sirianni by creating explosive plays with straight-line speed on deep balls, jet sweeps, screens and slants. — Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026

In addition to the straight-line winds, multiple tornadoes were confirmed, including two that crossed into Lake County from Illinois. — Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 24 Aug. 2026

The extent of the damage in this area is consistent with straight-line thunderstorm winds between 70 and 80 mph, the weather service said. — Kansas City Star, 24 Aug. 2026

The biggest concern will be strong straight-line winds, followed by a chance for large hail. — Ron Smiley, CBS News, 21 Aug. 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
• brucine
• byline

Legal Definition

straight-line

adjective

: marked by equal payments over a given term

using the straight-line method of depreciation