lineage

1 of 2

noun (1)

lin·​e·​age ˈli-nē-ij 

 also  ˈli-nij

1

a

: descent in a line from a common progenitor

b

: derivation

the gun's direct lineage is in the 1960s

—Erik Larson

2

: a group of individuals tracing descent from a common ancestor

especially : such a group of persons whose common ancestor is regarded as its founder

lineage

2 of 2

noun (2)

line·​age

less common spelling of linage

: the number of lines of printed or written matter

Synonyms

Noun (1)

• ancestry
• pedigree
• origin
• genealogy
• breeding

Examples of lineage in a Sentence

Noun (1)

his Italian lineage was very important to him

it is now generally accepted that the lineage of Thomas Jefferson includes black as well as white members

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The Studio, of course, comes from a lineage of showbiz comedies that asked celebrities to play themselves. —Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2025

As her estranged father feeds the fetus victims to ensure its birth, the couple is forced to confront a terrifying legacy of betrayal, twisted faith, and demonic lineage. —Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 3 Sep. 2025

Titles, often borrowed or adapted from writers like Toni Morrison or Lucille Clifton, further deepen the works, linking her subjects to a lineage of Black storytelling. —Okla Jones, Essence, 3 Sep. 2025

The Amazon subsidiary behind Masters of the Universe is called Regal Leo UK Productions in a nod to He-Man's royal lineage and MGM's roaring lion logo. —Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

lineage

noun

lin·​eage

ˈlin-ē-ij

1

: the ancestors from whom a person is descended

2

: the people descended from the same ancestor

Medical Definition

lineage

noun

lin·​e·​age

ˈlin-ē-ij also ˈlin-ij

1

: descent in a line from a common progenitor

2

: a group of individuals descended from a common ancestor

replication in T cell lineages