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

During that time, AccuWeather notes that Oklahoma may see the straight-line winds cause similar damage to tornadoes when strong enough. —Isa Almeida, Oklahoman, 27 Feb. 2026

The 3-cone and short shuttle will quietly separate fluid movers from straight-line sprinters. —Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Feb. 2026

At the final test, Ferrari revealed a rear wing that turns upside down for straight-line speed and an innovative mini-wing behind the exhaust. —ABC News, 26 Feb. 2026

Emerging research shows a link between climate change and increasing straight-line wind speeds, according to Climate Central, a climate news and education nonprofit. —Julia James, Dallas Morning News, 24 Feb. 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
• byline
• canine

Legal Definition

straight-line

adjective

: marked by equal payments over a given term

using the straight-line method of depreciation