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
(2)
: of, relating to, based on, or being linear equations, linear differential equations, linear functions, linear transformations, or linear algebra
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
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
But in today’s world of fragmented channels, fluctuating labor and unpredictable supply, that linear model can easily break down.
—
Charisma Glassman, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
In its third year, the show has grown every season so far in linear ratings; its seven-day audience before streaming is up by about 3 percent year to year at 6.82 million viewers.
—Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 23 May 2025
Then again, even if Biden had done more interviews or press conferences, our insight into his condition would not have been perfect: decline is not a linear process; good days can obscure bad ones, and vice versa.
—Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 23 May 2025
Many large media companies are striking unorthodox partnerships in a bid to gain wider acceptance for their streaming services, now see by many CEOs as a key to growth at a time when usage of traditional linear TV is in decline.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for linear
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Charisma Glassman, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
In its third year, the show has grown every season so far in linear ratings; its seven-day audience before streaming is up by about 3 percent year to year at 6.82 million viewers.
—Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 23 May 2025
Then again, even if Biden had done more interviews or press conferences, our insight into his condition would not have been perfect: decline is not a linear process; good days can obscure bad ones, and vice versa.
—Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 23 May 2025
Many large media companies are striking unorthodox partnerships in a bid to gain wider acceptance for their streaming services, now see by many CEOs as a key to growth at a time when usage of traditional linear TV is in decline.
—Brian Steinberg, Variety, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for linear
Cite this Entry
“Linear.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/linear. Accessed 30 May. 2025.
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