lineage

1 of 2

noun (1)

lin·​e·​age ˈli-nē-ij How to pronounce lineage (audio)
 also  ˈli-nij
1
a
: descent in a line from a common progenitor
b
: derivation
the gun's direct lineage is in the 1960sErik 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

Examples of lineage in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Together, these findings may one day help scientists piece together the mysterious evolutionary lineage of the arachnids. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 Mar. 2024 Well besides us and a few other mammals, like dolphins and bats, amongst the other vertebrate lineages, only birds have species that evolved vocal learning. Nicholas Stfleur, STAT, 15 Mar. 2024 The icebreaker asked attendees to facilitate a dialogue on the core inspirations and cultural lineages that molded their identities. Skylar Mitchell, Essence, 14 Mar. 2024 The princess flaunted both noble lineage and seemingly inexhaustible wealth from her mother, Clara, who was a granddaughter of Giovanni Agnelli, who founded Fiat, and a sister of Gianni Agnelli, the dashing Fiat chief. Alex Williams, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2024 Worst of all, the group’s members, who are supposed to be united by mystical links of shared lineage, constantly suspect one another of treason. Alma Guillermoprieto, The New Yorker, 4 Mar. 2024 Would lineages of organisms evolve in radically different ways if given that opportunity? Quanta Magazine, 29 Feb. 2024 Today’s graphic novels look back to this early lineage. Kristen Radtke, The Atlantic, 21 Feb. 2024 And twice, independently, lineages with 10 or fewer slits evolved shell eyes. Quanta Magazine, 29 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lineage.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Noun (1)

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of lineage was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near lineage

Cite this Entry

“Lineage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lineage. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on lineage

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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