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
According to the official announcement, demo teams laid 22,000 lineal feet of detonating cord through both the Paradise and Club Towers prior to implosion.
—
Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 9 Oct. 2024
In his professional boxing debut, Ngannou dropped Fury and lost a close decision to the lineal champion.
—Brian Mazique, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024
The Cherokee Nation, one of the two largest Native groups in the United States, will accept anyone who can prove some lineal descent in specific records.
—Jay Caspian Kang, The New Yorker, 26 Feb. 2024
Each tribe determines its own enrollment, but a common requirement is lineal descendancy from someone on the tribal roll.
—Noah Goldberg, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2024
See all Example Sentences for lineal 
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Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 9 Oct. 2024
In his professional boxing debut, Ngannou dropped Fury and lost a close decision to the lineal champion.
—Brian Mazique, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024
The Cherokee Nation, one of the two largest Native groups in the United States, will accept anyone who can prove some lineal descent in specific records.
—Jay Caspian Kang, The New Yorker, 26 Feb. 2024
Each tribe determines its own enrollment, but a common requirement is lineal descendancy from someone on the tribal roll.
—Noah Goldberg, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2024
See all Example Sentences for lineal
Dictionary Entries Near lineal
Cite this Entry
“Lineal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lineal. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
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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