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

According to the National Weather Service website, one brief tornado was spotted near Huntley during the storm and straight-line wind damage was reported around Bartlett, Hanover Park and Streamwood. — Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2026

Very solid ball-handler for his size but more of a straight-line driver than dynamic creator or change of direction player. — Tom Ignudo, CBS News, 23 June 2026

Surveys are conducted to determine whether damage was caused by a tornado or straight-line winds, according to the weather service. — David Ferrara, Cincinnati Enquirer, 19 June 2026

Builders should model that potential 2027 lull in their absorption schedules rather than assuming straight-line demand. — Brad Hunter, Forbes.com, 16 June 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