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

Mercedes has the car to beat in terms of straight-line speed, and the Baku City Circuit has the longest straight on the F1 calendar. — ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026

But straight-line winds in the 100 to 110 mph range caused extensive damage across portions of northern Lake and Porter counties. — Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026

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

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