linear
Americanadjective
-
of, consisting of, or using lines.
linear design.
-
pertaining to or represented by lines.
linear dimensions.
-
extended or arranged in a line.
a linear series.
-
involving measurement in one dimension only; pertaining to length.
linear measure.
-
of or relating to the characteristics of a work of art in which forms and rhythms are defined chiefly in terms of line.
-
having the form of or resembling a line.
linear nebulae.
-
progressing logically from step to step; having a regular sequence of stages.
Such linear thinking can inhibit true innovation and creative exploration.
-
Mathematics.
-
consisting of, involving, or describable by terms of the first degree.
-
having the same effect on a sum as on each of the summands.
a linear operation.
-
-
Electronics. delivering an output that is directly proportional to the input.
a linear circuit; a linear amplifier.
-
threadlike; narrow and elongated.
a linear leaf.
adjective
-
of, in, along, or relating to a line
-
of or relating to length
-
resembling, represented by, or consisting of a line or lines
-
having one dimension
-
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
-
maths of or relating to the first degree
a linear equation
-
narrow and having parallel edges
a linear leaf
-
electronics
-
(of a circuit, etc) having an output that is directly proportional to input
linear amplifier
-
having components arranged in a line
-
Other Word Forms
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.
Vocabulary lists containing linear
Expressions and Equations
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Algebra
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
STAAR English I: Elements of Literature
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
A humanoid’s knees rely on linear actuators, which are made up of similar components but translate rotation into a linear movement: pulling, lifting and so on.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 2, 2026
Crews have already covered the fragile area with 4,500 linear feet of wattles, long tubes whose natural fibers hold soil in place, the National Park Service said.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 2, 2026
Americans are sold a linear understanding of professional sports.
From Slate ● Aug. 28, 2026
These include microcontrollers from Texas Instruments and linear regulators from STMicroelectronics in Switzerland, according to teardowns of the drones by Ukrainian state researchers, leaked documents from Russia and analysts.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 26, 2026
I rejoiced in teaching young people about linear equations and graphs.
From "Reaching for the Moon" by Katherine Johnson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
