\ ˈstrāt-ˈlīn 
\
\Definition of straight-line
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
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Comments on straight-line
What made you want to look up straight-line? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Slippery Words Quiz—Changing with the Times
- What is an earlier meaning of nice?
Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!
TAKE THE QUIZ
Spell words. Make bears.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
- Slippery Words Quiz—Changing with the Times
Do you know these earlier meanings of words?
Take the quiz - Words of Snow and Ice Quiz
A selection of words from the chillier parts of t...
Take the quiz - How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?
Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!
Take the quiz - Play the game
Share straight-line
Time Traveler for straight-line
The first known use of straight-line was in 1843
See more words from the same year