linear

adjective

lin·​e·​ar ˈli-nē-ər How to pronounce linear (audio)
1
a(1)
: of, relating to, resembling, or having a graph that is a line and especially a straight line : straight
(2)
: involving a single dimension
b(1)
: of the first degree with respect to one or more variables
c(1)
: characterized by an emphasis on line
linear art
(2)
: composed of simply drawn lines with little attempt at pictorial representation
linear script
d
: consisting of a straight chain of atoms
a linear molecule
2
: elongated with nearly parallel sides
linear leaf
see leaf illustration
3
: having or being a response or output that is directly proportional to the input
4
: of, relating to, or based or depending on sequential development
linear thinking
a linear narrative
linearity noun
linearly adverb

Examples of linear in a Sentence

a flat, almost linear horizon the bullets from early firearms were notorious for not following a strictly linear path through the air
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.
Unlike other media companies that own linear TV networks such as Paramount, Disney, Comcast and WBD, Fox does not own or operate a prominent SVOD service. Brad Adgate, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025 IndieWire moderators will interview talent from shows across Disney’s linear and streaming portfolio. Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 12 Mar. 2025 The first day of the NFL’s free agency tampering window began at 12 p.m. ET with the service down, sending fans searching for other options such as linear TV and Bluesky to get their news on player signings. Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 10 Mar. 2025 Under the pact, Daniels will develop and executive produce comedy, drama and limited series for linear networks and streamers through his Lee Daniels Entertainment banner, with an emphasis on platforms across Disney Entertainment Television. Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 6 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for linear

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1656, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Time Traveler
The first known use of linear was circa 1656

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Linear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/linear. Accessed 15 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

linear

adjective
lin·​ear
ˈlin-ē-ər
1
a
: relating to, consisting of, or resembling a line : straight
b
: involving a single dimension
c
: of, relating to, based on, or being linear equations or linear functions
2
: long and uniformly narrow
the linear leaf of the hyacinth
linearity
ˌlin-ē-ˈar-ət-ē
noun
linearly
ˈlin-ē-ər-lē
adverb

Medical Definition

linear

adjective
lin·​ear ˈlin-ē-ər How to pronounce linear (audio)
: of, relating to, or resembling a line
linearity noun
plural linearities
linearly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on linear

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