assembly-line

1 of 2

adjective

as·​sem·​bly-line ə-ˈsem-blē-ˌlīn How to pronounce assembly-line (audio)
: made by or as if by an assembly line
especially : lacking originality or creativity
bored by the novel's assembly-line plot

assembly line

2 of 2

noun

1
: an arrangement of machines, equipment, and workers in which work passes from operation to operation in direct line until the product is assembled
2
: a process for turning out a finished product in a mechanically efficient manner
academic assembly lines

Examples of assembly-line in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
In an age of assembly-line, middle-class comedians who try to squeeze humor out of Quaaludes, Pac-Man, and the reigning TV commercials of the day, Eddie Murphy is an original, razor-sharp fast mouth. Chet Flippo, Vulture, 3 July 2024 The Tribune found signatures like Gossen’s are routinely tossed in a largely behind-the-scenes process where elections workers make snap decisions in assembly-line fashion using questionable methods. Joe Mahr, Chicago Tribune, 13 Oct. 2024
Noun
The contract’s ratification on the eve of Election Day cleared the way for a major U.S. manufacturer and government contractor to restart Pacific Northwest assembly lines that the walkout idled for 53 days. David Koenig, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2024 Welding robots on auto assembly lines aren’t thinking about keeping you safe; vacuum cleaners aren’t thinking about spiffing up your home. Laura Brown, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for assembly-line 

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1925, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1914, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of assembly-line was in 1914

Dictionary Entries Near assembly-line

assembly line

assembly-line

assemblyman

Cite this Entry

“Assembly-line.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/assembly-line. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

assembly line

noun
: an arrangement of machines, equipment, and workers in which work passes from operation to operation in direct line until the product is assembled

More from Merriam-Webster on assembly-line

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!