lineage

1 of 2

noun (1)

lin·e·age ˈli-nē-ij

also ˈli-nij

Synonyms of lineage

: descent in a line from a common progenitor

: derivation

… the brand's lineage as a leather goods company.—Colleen Barry

: 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

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.

Noun

Only a tiny fraction of whole-genome duplication events are thought to stabilize in a lineage. — Carrie Arnold contributing, Quanta Magazine, 2 Sep. 2026 But all this manifold spectacle is triggered by a quest for a boy, possibly of royal lineage, who has gone missing. — Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026 Basically, this small insect appeared to preserve a transitional stage as its lineage gradually adapted from aquatic life to living on land. — New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026 But the second lineage has a much more indirect and mysterious connection. — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lineage

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

See more words from the same century

Browse Nearby Words

lineable

lineage

line ahead

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Lineage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lineage. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

lineage

noun

lin·eage

ˈlin-ē-ij

: the ancestors from whom a person is descended

: the people descended from the same ancestor

Medical Definition

lineage

noun

lin·e·age

ˈlin-ē-ij also ˈlin-ij

: descent in a line from a common progenitor

: a group of individuals descended from a common ancestor

replication in T cell lineages

lineage

noun (1)

noun (2)

Synonyms of lineage

Examples of lineage in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Medical Definition

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