lineage

1 of 2

noun (1)

lin·​e·​age ˈli-nē-ij How to pronounce lineage (audio)
 also  ˈli-nij
1
a
: descent in a line from a common progenitor
b
: derivation
the gun's direct lineage is in the 1960sErik Larson
2
: a group of individuals tracing descent from a common ancestor
especially : such a group of persons whose common ancestor is regarded as its founder

lineage

2 of 2

noun (2)

line·​age

less common spelling of linage

: the number of lines of printed or written matter

Examples of lineage in a Sentence

Noun (1) his Italian lineage was very important to him it is now generally accepted that the lineage of Thomas Jefferson includes black as well as white members
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
There, Jolie discovers more about herself and her mother’s family’s long horse lineage, especially with her cousin Ronnie at her side. Ronda Racha Penrice, NBC News, 16 Oct. 2024 An artist who loves paint and painting and reveres her place in its 10,000-year lineage. Chadd Scott, Forbes, 15 Oct. 2024 According to Rothschild, who sometimes joined Harris at her mother’s place, Shyamala proudly kept a Ganesh in her home and a collection of saris in her closet, yet she was also invested in the Black lineage of civil rights work in the East Bay. Nathan Heller, Vogue, 11 Oct. 2024 While receiving the Sherry Lansing Award, Abdy echoed Sher’s sentiments on the importance of maintaining a lineage of women through the past, present and future of the industry. Harrison Chon-Walker, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for lineage 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lineage.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of lineage was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near lineage

Cite this Entry

“Lineage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lineage. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

lineage

noun
lin·​eage
ˈlin-ē-ij
1
: the ancestors from whom a person is descended
2
: the people descended from the same ancestor

Medical Definition

lineage

noun
lin·​e·​age
ˈlin-ē-ij also ˈlin-ij
1
: descent in a line from a common progenitor
2
: a group of individuals descended from a common ancestor
replication in T cell lineages

More from Merriam-Webster on lineage

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!