in-line

[ in-lahyn, in-lahyn ]

adjective

1. (of an internal-combustion engine) having the cylinders ranged side by side in one or more rows along the crankshaft.

in-line

adjective

1. denoting a linked sequence of manufacturing processes
2. denoting an internal-combustion engine having its cylinders arranged in a line

Word History and Origins

Origin of in-line¹

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

The speaker of the House, the man second in line to the presidency — Rep. Mike Johnson of Louisiana — had to photobomb the much-shared shot taken aboard the so-called Trump Force One airplane last weekend.

From Los Angeles Times

The mere threat of that — of publicly and explicitly neutering the Senate — could be enough for the GOP caucus to get in line.

From Salon

In contrast, a white woman with similar signs of hemorrhage “appears to have received care in line with the guidelines.”

From Los Angeles Times

They added that a board-commissioned independent review of the BBC’s workplace culture is under way, focusing on preventing abuse of power and ensuring everyone at the BBC conducts themselves in line with company values.

From BBC

When talking about a potential crisis, get in line.

From BBC

Related Words

• consecutive
• nonstop
• short
• smooth
• solid
• straightforward
• successive
• true