lineage

¹ American  

[lin-ee-ij] / ˈlɪn i ɪdʒ /

noun

1. lineal descent from an ancestor; ancestry or extraction.

   She could trace her lineage to the early Pilgrims.

   Synonyms:

   genealogy, derivation, parentage, pedigree

2. the line of descendants of a particular ancestor; family.

   Synonyms:

   clan, tribe

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lineage ² American  

[lahy-nij] / ˈlaɪ nɪdʒ /

noun

1. linage.

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lineage ¹ British  

/ ˈlɪnɪɪdʒ /

noun

1. direct descent from an ancestor, esp a line of descendants from one ancestor

2. a less common word for derivation

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lineage ² British  

/ ˈlaɪnɪdʒ /

noun

1. a variant spelling of linage

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Etymology

Origin of lineage

1275–1325; line(al) + -age; replacing Middle English linage < Anglo-French; Old French lignage < Vulgar Latin *līneāticum. See line ¹, -age

Example Sentences

For members of the Awadh royal lineage, the restoration is deeply personal.

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026

With “Linaje” — it translates to lineage, a term often associated with nobility and pedigree — the brothers are intent on sharing their hard-earned success with those they love most.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 25, 2026

These kinship networks were largely organized through maternal lines, with one mitochondrial lineage dominating, pointing to a key role for women in maintaining family continuity and coordinating movement.

From Science Daily • Mar. 21, 2026

Those of ancient lineage may be thinking of the infamous LBJ phone call badgering the head of ABC to get college-football broadcasts for Lady Bird’s TV station.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

“Heldred. His sons were Heldim and Heldar. Would you like his entire lineage, or should I get to the point?”

From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss

Related Words

• clan
• descent
• genealogy
• origin
• pedigree