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
While questions remain, especially about the plan for declining linear TV networks, the business is still throwing off a lot of cash.
—
Dade Hayes, Deadline, 3 Apr. 2025
Conversely, the human System 2 approach is more linear as it is comprised of a clear goal with code constructed to achieve that goal that, in the hands of an experienced coder, is more likely to be mostly correct with just a few bugs to fix.
—Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025
The first wave has already moved out, but the second one, which was more linear, is still affecting the area.
—Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 2 Apr. 2025
The stages of twin flames While the twin flame journey isn’t always linear, most do flow through a series of stages.
—Christina Pérez, Vogue, 29 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for linear
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Dade Hayes, Deadline, 3 Apr. 2025
Conversely, the human System 2 approach is more linear as it is comprised of a clear goal with code constructed to achieve that goal that, in the hands of an experienced coder, is more likely to be mostly correct with just a few bugs to fix.
—Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025
The first wave has already moved out, but the second one, which was more linear, is still affecting the area.
—Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 2 Apr. 2025
The stages of twin flames While the twin flame journey isn’t always linear, most do flow through a series of stages.
—Christina Pérez, Vogue, 29 Mar. 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 9 Apr. 2025.
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