1
: linear
2
: composed of or arranged in lines
3
a
: consisting of or being in a direct male or female line of ancestry compare collateral sense 2
b
: relating to or derived from ancestors : hereditary
c
: descended in a direct line
4
a
: belonging to one lineage
lineal relatives
b
: of, relating to, or dealing with a lineage
Examples of lineal in a Sentence
He claims that he is a lineal descendent of a famous military hero.
Recent Examples on the Web
The creation of the Sunday Night Soccer package in Year 3 of the deal has given MLS a smaller inventory of matches to distribute to lineal TV partners abroad as simulcasts of what is available to MLS Season Pass subscribers globally.
—
Ian Nicholas Quillen, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
That lineal route looked to add a red carpet after Chicago Fire went down to 10 men in the first half of Tuesday’s quarterfinal.
—Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 9 July 2025
In his second stint, Foreman went on to win the unified WBA, IBF, and lineal heavyweight championship titles.
—Ryan Morik, Fox News, 22 Mar. 2025
The winners of the tournaments will be separate from the Champions Series, which focuses on a more lineal champion concept.
—Brian Mazique, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lineal
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Ian Nicholas Quillen, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
That lineal route looked to add a red carpet after Chicago Fire went down to 10 men in the first half of Tuesday’s quarterfinal.
—Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 9 July 2025
In his second stint, Foreman went on to win the unified WBA, IBF, and lineal heavyweight championship titles.
—Ryan Morik, Fox News, 22 Mar. 2025
The winners of the tournaments will be separate from the Champions Series, which focuses on a more lineal champion concept.
—Brian Mazique, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lineal
Cite this Entry
“Lineal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lineal. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLegal Definition
lineal
adjective
lin·e·al
ˈli-nē-əl 
: consisting of or being in a direct male or female line of ancestry
a lineal descendant
compare collateral sense 2
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