linear

American  

[lin-ee-er] / ˈlɪn i ər /

adjective

1. of, consisting of, or using lines.

   linear design.

2. pertaining to or represented by lines.

   linear dimensions.

3. extended or arranged in a line.

   a linear series.

4. involving measurement in one dimension only; pertaining to length.

   linear measure.

5. of or relating to the characteristics of a work of art in which forms and rhythms are defined chiefly in terms of line.

6. having the form of or resembling a line.

   linear nebulae.

7. progressing logically from step to step; having a regular sequence of stages.

   Such linear thinking can inhibit true innovation and creative exploration.

8. Mathematics.

   1. consisting of, involving, or describable by terms of the first degree.

   2. having the same effect on a sum as on each of the summands.

      a linear operation.

9. Electronics. delivering an output that is directly proportional to the input.

   a linear circuit; a linear amplifier.

10. threadlike; narrow and elongated.

    a linear leaf.

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linear British  

/ ˌlɪnɪˈærɪtɪ, ˈlɪnɪə /

adjective

1. of, in, along, or relating to a line

2. of or relating to length

3. resembling, represented by, or consisting of a line or lines

4. having one dimension

5. designating a style in the arts, esp painting, that obtains its effects through line rather than colour or light and in which the edges of forms and planes are sharply defined Compare painterly

6. maths of or relating to the first degree

   a linear equation

7. narrow and having parallel edges

   a linear leaf

8. electronics

   1. (of a circuit, etc) having an output that is directly proportional to input

      linear amplifier

   2. having components arranged in a line

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linear Scientific  

/ lĭn′ē-ər /

1. Being or resembling a line.

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Other Word Forms

• linearity noun
• linearly adverb
• nonlinear adjective
• sublinear adjective

Etymology

Origin of linear

First recorded in 1635–45; from Latin līneāris “of, belonging to lines”; see line ¹, -ar ¹

Explanation

Something linear is like a line. The adjective usually refers to something that follows an expected order or sequence — like railroad tracks or even the progression of a disease. Drawn from the word line, something linear follows that concept, coming from the Latin līneāris, "belonging to a line." You might come across the word in mathematics, as in a "linear equation," or in electronics, with a "linear circuit." It also can be used to refer to a written work that follows a "linear narrative." If a movie has lots of flashbacks and happens out of order, it does not have a linear narrative. You might find such a movie puzzling but enjoyable, or you might prefer something more chronological and linear.

Example Sentences

Less discernible linear marks were also found on the other.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026

Marvell Technology’s stock hasn’t exactly followed a linear artificial-intelligence narrative, but now it’s headed back into record territory.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 10, 2026

Sports have become a key driver for streaming subscriptions and linear TV viewership.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

“They watch it on linear and they watch it on Paramount+, where it’s consistently been a top streaming performer.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 24, 2026

I rejoiced in teaching young people about linear equations and graphs.

From "Reaching for the Moon" by Katherine Johnson

Related Words

• cramped
• definite
• limited
• precarious
• precise
• slender
• slim
• small
• thin
• tight